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The Edge of Poetry

As the Hedgehog is known for its hedge
It seems he is known for his edge
As he drives in the tip of the wedge
Whether swinging a ball peen or sledge

He will maul you with words aptly lurid
Setting traps that are complexly florid
Hit the gas, double clutch, and then floor it
Leave you lusting for metaphors torrid

Then on a whim he will dip his pen
And commit the poetic original sin
Of writing so tight it almost sounds trite
Shakespearian screamers awake in the night

And yes, he will dare, to twice poke the bear
Baring his heart though no one will care
Are his words stealthy demons bred of his fear
That might let you in, but won’t let you near

Thus, does he stand on the edge of the edge
His view a blank page on which he must fledge

John G. Lawless
©5/19/2023

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/20/2023 9:24:00 PM

Shakespeare, Milton, Shelley and Poe // all are applauding, begging for mo' ~ The Unknown Comic

Paul Willason

Date: 5/19/2023 6:24:00 PM

A masterful write John, clearly written by an artful exponent of the word...just magic Enjoyed every line then came back for seconds and thirds.

Lin Lane

Date: 5/19/2023 11:42:00 AM

If you are the hedgehog, you sure know how to hammer out great poetry. You've dared to poke a bear a time or two. I certainly have, but if we don't, we can't lay bare what's in our hearts. Love the line, "That might let you in, but won’t let you near" You keep writing to the edge of each page, then turn to a new one.