Funom Makama Poet Ode

Notes About The Poem

A poem about Russia, the largest country in the world (line 2) with 9 different time zones (line 3) and 12 different seas in its territory (line 4). Lake Baikal is the deepest and largest reservoir of fresh water (line 6); largest forest reserves (line 7) and Moscow is Europe’s biggest city (line 9).

Hippo From the East

The giant of the east, a thorn in the most prosperous continent
possessing land so massive which is second to none
having each day measured in nine different scales
and twelve large waters in full interaction with its borders

Its pride feeds on most of European and global superlatives
is it from the stores of fresh water
or the preservation of the wild plant communities?
Is it its rich deposits piled beneath the Earth
or its sized capital of huge significance to Europe?
This historic nation prides in them all and even more

But then, the limbs of its diplomacy are incomplete
in such regard, important allies are difficult to come by
no room for adjustments- it must be what it wants
Georgia and Ukraine’s tears then becoming the pay
for its domineering spirit

Though not adequately reverenced by the inhabitants of the jungle
a hippo still remains more dangerous than the lion
well ranked among the frontiers of global authority
but a major 21st century bully even in this time of civilization

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Graphite Drug April 21, 2015 at 5:03 PM Your poems are rich with images and events. They are extremely enjoyable. Had to ponder the third stanza. Am wondering if making the pronoun “its” in the first and final lines more specific would help. Just wondering. . . Julia Ward April 26, 2015 at 1:54 PM Funom isn't incorrect in leaving out "its" as he has used an adjectival phrase instead. Both methods are acceptable, and in poetry, HIS way of doing it has the edge over your suggestion. Funom Makama April 26, 2015 at 10:31 AM Thank you so much Graphite Drug... Your comments match my poems and I really enjoy your words too

Andrea Dietrich April 20, 2015 at 6:25 PM I agree with Rhonda. this is thought provoking and I love the use of hipp!! It made me want to come to this one and check it out. Funom Makama April 26, 2015 at 10:28 AM Thank you very much Andrea

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders April 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM Well-written, thought provoking piece Funom...thank you for visiting my poem today. I appreciate the encouragement! Hugs, Rhonda Funom Makama April 26, 2015 at 10:26 AM Thank you so much Rhonda Johnshon

M. L. Kiser April 20, 2015 at 10:15 AM Definite food for thought. Funom Makama April 26, 2015 at 10:25 AM Yeah... Thank you very much Kiser

Julia Ward April 20, 2015 at 9:33 AM Your poem gives us a much needed warning of the danger that Russia presents to the world. 7 // Julia, xx Funom Makama April 26, 2015 at 10:24 AM Yeah... Thank you very much...