Never Say Die

Watching a movie ('Walking Tall')
I spied a cockroach on my wall,
crawling in and out of sight,
the proud homeowner's sorry plight.
Now I see him, now I don't,
a creepy feeling, and I won't
feel better till he's dead and gone,
considering it a job well done.

The kitchen was my battleground,
I chased the bugger round and round,
('persistent' was the name I christened
my thick-skinned antagonist,)
for dodging footfalls he'd survived
the era of the dinosaurs,
avoiding conflict he'd outlived
the perils of unnumbered wars.

Tired and soaked with perspiration,
craving his elimination,
I, with magazine extended
dealt a blow, his life was ended.
Or was it? Wriggling in his death throes,
wiggling several sets of black toes,
on his back he scarce could right
himself to carry on the fight.

Yet more he fiddled, then was still,
an adversary with a will,
he lay quiescent on the rug,
that bold defiant little bug.
I left him shaken, (his demise 
beyond salvation?), then my eyes
beheld no insect, just a stain,
for he'd crept off to creep again!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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

Fiery Avatar
March 6, 2016 at 8:38 PM
I can't stop laughing...My brother was and is still very scared of cockroaches ..the sight of this tiny creature makes him frown... this poem reminded me of him..7/7
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 8, 2016 at 2:32 PM
Haha! That was what I was hoping for. Glad you got a chuckle out of it! Keith
Buhain-Baello Avatar
March 6, 2016 at 6:43 PM
An incident I am familiar with and reading this just made me laugh (at my unskilled strike and the cockroach's ten lives.) Witty, excellent write, perfect title and very true last line.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 8, 2016 at 2:33 PM
Thanks Cynthia! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Keith
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