Once Again, I Didn'T Read the Rules

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I tried to write a poem in the form known as free verse
It didn’t turn out very well in fact it turned out worse
I couldn’t seem to get it down, the rhythm so off beat
It mattered not how hard I tried, I ended in defeat

So, I decided to write a rhyming piece
for that was far easier for me
Fancy words of love that flow like a moonbeam 
quivering on a cool midsummer’s eve
as our love was born

When then I gave it one more chance to see what I could do
If only just a stanza or a free verse line or two
But still I had the hardest time to get it to work out
I better stick to rhyming stuff, that’s what I’m all about

So I grabbed my pen and paper, 
simple parchment with frayed edges 
as if a horizon shimmering beneath a setting sun 
beyond a tree line of evergreen and birch
where our hearts rhymed at the end of the day

Then thought that I cannot give up, I had to try again
I have a reputation as a poet to defend
Though when I looked I found that I had not achieved my quest
So I went back to writing rhyme, I think that is the best

And as I gazed to the silent evening sky,
I found a November moon smiling at me,
almost smirking at my failure 
and I just smiled back and waited 
on the sun when love will rise once again 

Written for the Free Verse vs Structured Poetry Contest sponsored by Line Gauthier 
Unfortunately, the poem is too long for the contest, I really need to learn to read the rules first.
So, I figured, I wrote it, I might as well post it.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Ligon Avatar
January 8, 2020 at 3:45 PM
I wish my rhymes could flow just as effortlessly. There have been times when I haven't read or followed contest rules either, but sometimes it inspired something neat. This turned out really good and probably would have won otherwise.
Green Avatar
January 8, 2020 at 3:57 PM
Thanks so much Juliet. This was really fun to write but sadly, like the title says, I didn't do it right. :) I am thrilled that you enjoyed this though, that makes me a winner in my opinion.
Roper Avatar
November 24, 2019 at 10:46 PM
this is a great verse ,Chris, we all I think to forget what the contest instructions said . enjoyed reading. hugs
Green Avatar
November 25, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Thank you so very much Eve. I am happy you liked this one.
Gauthier Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 8:03 PM
O Chris - I had the pleasure of finding this gem. Thankfully you wrote the 'not for contest' note so I was able to read and enjoy your totally endearing poem. It is so adorable. Of course I did not have my judge's hat on ~ I certainly hope you will try again... keeping in mind that it would be to try and encourage newbies to try both styles of FV and structured poems. All that to say... A FAVE for me.
Green Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 8:06 AM
Thanks so much Line. The sad thing is, I was pretty proud of this one and excited to enter your contest and then...:( But I am happy you liked this one enough to save it as a fave. Thanks again.
Wolf Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 5:36 PM
Oh, I hate when that happens. Rules ought to be like instructions, you know --- When all else fails, then (and only then) read the instructions... Enjoyed this humorous piece, my friend. :) gw
Green Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 8:04 AM
You've got that right my friend. I will never learn. : ) Thanks so much GW
Thompson Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 4:53 PM
Great effort Chris, very enjoyable. Not reading the rules correctly reminds me of not reading the question correctly in an exam!! You got the difference between the two styles spot on. Best wishes my friend..Ron :)
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 4:57 PM
Thanks so very much Ron. I do this all of the time, not read the rules first. I'm just glad I did on our collaboration. : )
Sands Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 4:29 PM
I enjoyed this Chris, as I enjoy your poetry and regardless of style, I am fortunate enough to see your poems. Have a nice evening :)
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 4:32 PM
Thank you so much Heidi.
Allison Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 3:04 PM
what a fun poem Chris, and I too have often fallen fowl of the rules:-( hugs Jan xx
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 3:25 PM
It's not my first time either Jan. You would think I would have learned by now but...nope. :) Thanks so much my friend.
Adams Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:26 PM
I love this and you write free verse as beautifully as rhyme my friend who are you trying to kid? Wonderfully crafted poem :) hugs
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:51 PM
Thank you Sandy. You are always far too kind to me and humble me with your praise. Coming form one as talented as you, that is a high compliment.
Aurora Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:16 PM
Such a fun poem. It reminds me of when I am trying to write free verse and the rhyme just wants to break free onto the page. So hard to suppress sometimes..lol … Too bad you could not enter this in the contest.
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:21 PM
Thanks so very much my friend. That is it exactly...it seems rhymes comes so easy to me but free verse take a lot of work to keep the rhymes out. :) I appreciate you stopping by to read today.
Cunningham Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:12 PM
You're not alone Chris, we've all fallen fowl of the dreaded rules, you check the winners list and then you realise oops. Tom.
Green Avatar
November 20, 2019 at 2:19 PM
I know, though this time I saw the contest, saw a few poems written for it and thought, hey I'll write one. Wrote it and then checked the rules...18 line max. Oh well, maybe I will read the rules first the next time (probably not) :) Thanks so much Tom. I appreciate your visit today.
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