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".