Poems

We celebrate in April
Poets and the words they say
And that is why my grandson
(Second grade) told me today:


“In school we’re making poems
Whenever we have writing time
And guess what, Nana? Did you know
That poems don’t have to rhyme?”

Yes, I said, but then explained
That rhyming is a choice.
Without it, I’d feel like I’d speak
With someone else’s voice.

Of course, in poetry the rhyme
Is not the major goal, 
Unless the rhyming gene pervades
Your heart and mind and soul.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
April 20, 2021 at 8:13 PM
Two children asked me about this just this week. "guess what, Nana? Did you know That poems don’t have to rhyme?” " They were in 3rd and fourth grade, and they did not know. I had to tell them that poems do not have to rhyme.
Watt Avatar
April 19, 2021 at 8:18 PM
ilene, i always love when your write about your grands, but to hear about the dialog with your 2nd grader is just too precious! i hope between nana and teacher the seeds are being planted for a lifelong love of poetry and a special bond between the two of you... personally i like both types of poetry but i agree than some of us are just wired towards one or the other. thank you for sharing this gem; it's a fave
Wolf Avatar
April 19, 2021 at 4:38 PM
A poem without a rhyme?! -- Like 10 pennies instead of a dime... Or something like that, anyway. ~ Old Skinflint
Dietrich Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 10:33 AM
so true so true. gotta fave this one, which really speaks to ME as a poet.
Pandit Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 6:06 AM
I am going to guess it is the apostrophe that caused the message to pop up. A programming glitch. Try this: Go to edit your poem--once in edit mode, go ahead and type in your title that you want. click update and it should work. I have done this many times.
Hankins Avatar
April 16, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Such a sweet poem, Ilene. Who knows, your grandson might be the next Frost! But, I suspect he's going to like Free Verse, like I do!
Hankins Avatar
April 16, 2021 at 11:40 AM
Ilene, it doesn't seem to take apostrophes in titles. Don't ask me why!
Leffanta Avatar
April 16, 2021 at 11:36 AM
Well done, Ilene! Did you try "need" instead of "have to" or "do not" instead of "don't"? Soup titles are very restrictive! Aloha! Rico
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