Andrea Dietrich Poet Rondeau

Play Possum

Play possum; act like you have died,
especially if you cannot hide.
Were there no exits to run to,
pretending death is what I’d do.
This strategy I’d not deride!

Let’s say a shooter has been spied.
Folks are running, scared through and through.
To the floor, let your body slide . . .
                                          Play possum.

The shooter likely will decide
to chase those fleeing. don’t provide
to such a madman any clue
that you’re breathing. Even in view,
lie still! Death might seem bona fide.
                                       Play possum.


Oct. 20, 2021 Title #3: Play Possum
for Edward Ibeh's Pick-A-Title, Vol 26 - Poetry Contest

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Sam Kauffman November 4, 2021 at 11:28 AM Powerful Andrea. In this time of unexplainable shootings, yours is wisdom to be remembered. Congratulations on your win.

Paula Goldsmith November 3, 2021 at 8:59 AM Congratulations on your win. Your "Play Possum" is a wonderful story/write. Love This One. Have a blessed autumn day with your win...............

Bryan Norton November 3, 2021 at 7:08 AM Great poem. Great advice. Another great message from you. My best wishes always, Bryan.

Christuraj Alex November 3, 2021 at 4:29 AM "Folks are running, scared through and through" - A beautifully written poem. Congratulations!

Edward Ibeh November 2, 2021 at 3:42 PM Wow, what a superb message poem, Andrea! Loved this. It should be posted in schools across the country, in my opinion! Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest!

Panagiota Romios October 24, 2021 at 7:47 PM Love your topic and poem! Great advice, too Pangie 10/24. 7:470m

Caren Krutsinger October 22, 2021 at 12:34 AM Great advice, and you are supposed to do this also if a grizzly bear is sniffing your feet, but I am not sure that I could! A fine write Andrea. Rico Leffanta October 22, 2021 at 11:32 AM A natural response of goats and other species which only works when the predator is not hungry!

Rico Leffanta October 21, 2021 at 12:22 PM As a survivor, I can assure you your solution DOES work as ANY movement may be perceived as a threat! Well said! Rico Leffanta October 22, 2021 at 11:30 AM Yes, several times. If you are concerned about your area, I recommend carrying a simple rubber door jamb with you, as an assailant is unlikely to take the time to break the door down unless a specifically targeted individual is in the room. Andrea Dietrich October 21, 2021 at 12:50 PM wow, you were in such a situation?? I always imagined this and what I'd do if exits were too hard to get to. i also fantasized having a bottle of catsup on the table and squirting it all over my head to look like I had been shot in the head. haha I think it would be quite effective.

Mike Bayles October 21, 2021 at 7:07 AM Nice, especially, "Death might seem bona fide. Play possum."

Victor Buhagiar October 21, 2021 at 1:44 AM Loved your idea, but you need luck. You need to be perfectly still. Better still avoid danger if possible.

Tom Cunningham October 20, 2021 at 11:27 PM A terrible situation to be in Andrea, You paint a chilling scene. Tom

Harry Horsman October 20, 2021 at 8:23 PM Wow, this is different, a poem for these days, Andrea. Such stark reality. Like the poetry.

Kim Rodrigues October 20, 2021 at 6:54 PM Well done on this subject…scary one!

Sotto Poet October 20, 2021 at 6:38 PM Andrea, your writing is excellent. I believe your suggestion has the potential to be a valuable opportunity. I wish you the best of luck in the competition.

Gershon Wolf October 20, 2021 at 5:48 PM Sounds like a plan to me. I guess only for folks who can exert their 'white privilege,' however. lol. Smiles, Gershon

L Milton Hankins October 20, 2021 at 3:13 PM Superb writing; a fine suggestion. Under the circumstance, I'm afraid I'd be so terrified, I don't know what I'd do. I'd probably have a heart attack and really die! Good luck in the contest, Andrea. I liked your possum! Andrea Dietrich October 20, 2021 at 4:27 PM I researched if it was a viable solution, and actually they said it's better to get to an exit, so i put in my poem (if there are no exits THEN play possum). I read that the worst thing people can do is hide in some little room like a restroom!!

Vijay Pandit October 20, 2021 at 1:28 PM You chose a great form to give voice to your theme, Andrea. A survival technique that should keep one alive. Andrea Dietrich October 20, 2021 at 4:28 PM Thanks, Vijay, It does not always work if the madman decides to just keep shooting into the people already fallen. But I think you have better chance than someone running right in front of the gunman!!