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I Cannot Stand Poetic Forms - For Contest

I cannot stand poetic forms I like them less than winter storms they force me into ancient norms of rhyming words in angry swarms for I was frightened by Haiku in darkened rooms -- I cried --- boo hoo. Then came the metronomic tick sez I: “what is this evil trick?” now I must measure every rhyme with tapping stick of metered time I cannot…. will not, …..won’t ….I say be forced inside the lines…..to stay. For I shall dance….the poet’s dance of shaggy hair….. of tattered pants dance with those….. in tie and tails rap with those….. released from jails free demon words from fear’s cold cell sing hymns resounding angels bell. My crayons stray outside the lines my words creation redefines I am free to choose my words soothing balm or cutting swords to calm the hearts of troubled souls as shovels digging dying’s holes. And yet the verse is never Free for it remains a part of me wandering a poets hell secrets it has yet to tell. 5/12/2016 submitted to – Get Your Dr. Seuss On – Poetry Contest sponsor – The Seeker

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Dineen Williams Gault

Date: 6/4/2016 11:48:00 AM

Reminded me of Dr. Suess here so whimsical and great rhymes. From what I've read, you excel regardless of form. Wonderful write, congratulations!

John Lawless
Date: 6/4/2016 8:46:00 PM

Thanks for the high praise. Although I belabor the constraints of 'Poetic Forms" I realize that if you give the horse too loose a rein he heads back to the barn,.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/3/2016 8:19:00 PM

haha, you are condemning the very thing you are doing SO WELL here: Blank verse and all the wonderful forms similar to it. I REALLY like this. I should go see which placement you got. This one reminds me a bit of a sonnet I did a long time ago. I think it's called: Inside this little Room. the room is sonnet form and I am saying WHY I enjoy having limits placed on me (opposite of what you say here, and yet the effect is still the same, since this ends up making verse look SO good). A SEVEN

John Lawless
Date: 6/4/2016 8:44:00 PM

Well Andrea, to color outside the lines effectively one must learn what and where the lines are. Thanks for stopping by and for the high mark.

Sara Chansarkar

Date: 5/27/2016 8:03:00 AM

Funny and original, thanks John!

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:49:00 AM

Thanks Sara, appreciate your checking in to read and comment.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/26/2016 11:16:00 PM

Nice one, John! Congratulations!

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:49:00 AM

Thanks for stopping by to read and comment Kim, always nice to hear from a new voice...

Eve Roper

Date: 5/26/2016 10:36:00 PM

Congratulations on your win, John, enjoyed the read of the poet :) Hugs Eve

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:48:00 AM

Thanks Eve always nice to hear from you

Tom Quigley

Date: 5/26/2016 4:44:00 PM

Fun write! Beware those words in angry swarms. :-)

Tom Quigley
Date: 5/30/2016 12:26:00 AM

Yah, gutta be kaeh-ful ta not trip all ovah thum!

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:46:00 AM

....and when they leave there are always "unused R's" all over the place....(that's a "Bastion" joke)

Carrie Richards

Date: 5/25/2016 4:54:00 PM

I love this !!! I like to color outside the lines too.......so not within the confines of strict rules..... Dr. Suess rules !!! LOL !!

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:43:00 AM

Hey Carrie I recently made up a sign containing the "Mantra of the Terrible Two's" - "DON'T HAFTA - DON'T WANNA - AIN'T GONNA - CAN'T MAKE ME". Thanks for checking in, your interest and input are always appreciated.

Mark Woods

Date: 5/25/2016 3:11:00 AM

Funny, and the poem has a wonderful Suess like beat to it. I was trying to think which one it reminded of and it's Green Eggs and Ham. All in eights (except the last two lines). Clever write.

John Lawless
Date: 5/28/2016 8:41:00 AM

Thanks for stopping to read and comment Mark. The muse likes to wander close to the fence and often sneaks out on its own.