If I Need a Friend Maybe Run Acrostic

(from Simon & Garfunkle's "Bridge Over Troubled Water)

If is such a weak word, it branches, crackling under foot.
You know it, but you use it to sing me into sleep, never suspecting
need dangles down upon my head, tickling and wrapping
a comforting hand upon my qualms. If lets you back out
friend, but you wait more patient than the coming of snow.

I'm me, its enough. My ifs and ands are more numerous than leaves
sailing as I kick them about. Leaves don't crackle, they weep
right into the concrete meaning of our existence. Uncertain moment
behind a closed door.  Certain moment under a bed of dirt
like hugs from relatives you've never met before.

A friend though eclipses the daylight, becomes lightning to
bridge over or explode into laughter, where do I put them?
Over one shoulder like cast spilled salts? That seems sly,
troubled. Can I weave them together and have life?
Water offers that but slips away, how then bugs? Ducks?

I slip into water as easily as ifs are thrown into the winds.
Will my hair blow like an arrow toward fate or does chance
ease into icicles. They're weapons, ifs, ands, buts, maybes.
Your friendship is such, dressing and undressing like fashion
minds the sales racks. Still though, I'm glad that you and ifs are here.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Dietrich Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 6:13 PM
Here is a poem of yours I never saw before. I believe I recall this contest and don't even remember it being judged! I enjoyed your perspective of the theme. thanks for finally judging your contest and for my win!!
Kendrick Avatar
March 15, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Great work written for the contest...I do like the words to the song..Thanks for all the visits to my page..Sara
A  Avatar
March 11, 2014 at 9:52 AM
Your poem is amazing Sheri, , enjoying this fun verse again. CONGRATULATIONS, on having your poem featured on the soup's home page. I'm always enjoying top picks of the week. Take Care ~SKAT~
Harper Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 6:08 PM
Thanks so much SKAT_A!
A   Avatar
March 6, 2014 at 6:45 PM
Sheri, I love this style, and how you did it... I had to double read the poem. Hold on! OKAY! Is this for a contest. I know you are very creative. I like how the black bold letters stand out alone. A poem and acrostic of its own... LINDA
Harper Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 6:08 PM
Thanks so much Linda!
Guzzi Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 7:12 PM
I enjoyed this novel take on the meaning of the song, it's creative! Light & Love
Harper Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 6:08 PM
Thanks very much Debbie!
Lamoureux Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 3:48 PM
The highlighted words add to the effect. Well done.
Harper Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 4:08 PM
Thanks much Richard
Johnson Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 3:28 PM
Nicely done Sheri. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Harper Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 4:08 PM
Happy to Joyce, thanks for the return read!
Walker  Avatar
March 1, 2014 at 6:09 PM
Nice... Good work... Verlena
Harper Avatar
March 3, 2014 at 4:09 PM
Thank you much Verlena
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace