Like 'Let 'Er Rip'

Like a block of ice in a refrigerator car full of Chicago meats I have a role to play, an important purpose, and limited time to be fully functional. Like fourth chair, fourth clarinet in the Boston philharmonic I have a note to sound, a reason for being, and without me the chord is incomplete. Like the words that flow unmetered, unrhymed in free verse I have messages to send, a legitimate place in poetry, and require a patient reader. EIGHT PLACE WINNER Written June 22, 2021 For “Let ‘er Rip No. 3” Poetry Contest Sponsored by John Lawless