Madness to the Method

Poet's Notes : Pick-A-Title, Vol 52 - Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh 11/6/25 Example used in this poem was by the poet written 2023 "My Motto - If you cant be better - be different" Quote by the poet. _____________________________________________________ There was "Method in your madness!" Early days this caused some sadness Never praised for a job well done Attributed to a mindless fluke by everyone Always in strife Through my life Bilinear confusion Outsider intrusion When a problem was to be solved, No matter what was involved I always looked for the easy way out, To turn it all about - even inside out Usually finding a way the task could be done Better and faster than anyone. My Dad a man who was always wise, Had an answer to everything, "Just improvise." A hole in your shoe! Well that wont do. Insert a pliable plastic lid cut to size. Good as new. The story of my mother's lesson has been told before. As she and I sat creating pictures on the floor. I am sure many deemed her actions as madness, However she taught me a lesson and averted my sadness, Shakespeare made Hamlet seem quite mad, but wait that isn't new! Here's my old tale, about Mum's madness, I'll tell to you. (Definitely madness as all might agree, Her method in this example worked for all to see). "Stormy outside and thunder clouds were about to form, But in winter Mum kept the house cozy and warm, Bored, nothing much to do, had played with all my toys, Wished I could be playing with all the other little boys. "I know" said Mum, "lets put a cake in the oven to bake, Then I will show you how to make a super milkshake." The cake was cooking and two glasses were on the shelf. She got the chocolate and I got the milk all by myself. So I lifted the bottle, but it did more than just tilt. Over the floor was a huge pond of creamy white milk. Mum looked at me and saw that I was about to cry. “Lets have some fun” said she with a wink of her eye. She handed me the squirter of thick chocolate sauce. “Let’s make pictures then we’ll clean it up of course” With chocolate sauce I drew a big dog, she drew a cat. Two fine artists making pictures on the floor we sat. She created a perfect memory for me that very day. One that I cherish and in my mind will always stay. These days Mum is keeping everyone warm in heaven, And now I am a man I remember that day when I was 7 I remember her sweet hands were as soft as silk And she taught me never to cry over spilled milk." Her method may have seemed mad, But it sure did stop me from being sad.