Sean Kelly Poet Verse

Poetry Or Prose

Is it poetry or prose 
Who really knows 
Must it be in a shelf 
To rename itself.

This is a conundrum which has appeared here, in various guises over the many years I have enjoyed the talented 'writes' of the talented scribes who contribute their thoughts/feelings/desires and offerings in many forms.
However, the famous Irish playwright and wit, Brendan Behan was invited many years ago to Oxford University, to participate in a debate on this topic.
His opponent spoke eloquently for almost two hours on the important distinctions and the quality of prose.
Behan then rose to his feet and promised to be brief . He recited an old Dublin rhyme .

" THERE WAS A YOUNG FELLA NAMED ROLLOCKS
  WHO WORKED FOR FERRIER POLLOCKS
  AS HE WALKED ON THE STRAND
  WITH A GIRL, BY THE HAND
  THE WATER CAME UP TO HIS  .... ANKLES"

"That" declared Behan "is prose. But if the tide had been in , it would have been poetry".

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