Notes About The Poem

for the Why Not Poetry Contest of John Lawless

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Why Not

I have a lovely thought.
It spins through my mind again and again.
I think to myself
why not use it as a quatern’s sweet refrain?

I have a tale to tell.
It’s both melodic and a little sad.
My muse comes along and says
Why not write it as a ballad?

Sometimes I feel silly 
and want to make folks laugh.
Why not write a limerick
on something like a too-short-necked giraffe?

Lines of just two syllables
in my head begin to pound.
I decide why not 
be footling around?

Something short but wonderful
gives my muse a spark.
Why not write a monoku -
far better than a mere remark.

At times I grow reflective
on a topic for a sonnet.
Why not use those 14 lines
of iambic pentameter on it?

And why not try free verse?
(some people say to me.)
That’s not always easy,
so as I am doing now – I rhyme my poetry.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
December 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
I thought maybe i shan't..? But then I decided it's not as if i can't.' Anyway I see this is a real good write.' Worth a Word or two.' Before i hike.' Be well, stay blessed.)
Kendrick Avatar
December 21, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Ahhh!! I like this one. Poetry of in any form is not easy to write for me, but I enjoy trying to come up with something. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Sara K
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 20, 2025 at 5:51 PM
nicely penned for the contest...so clever and entertaining at the same time.
Godwin Avatar
December 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I haven't read about the contest (still penning for yours) but this is way clever and I totally like it. Soup Mail
La France Avatar
December 18, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Andrea, wonderful poem for the contest, best of luck ~
Rodrigues Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Why not be footling around! Fool around with a variety of forms. Like it!
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Thanks. Yes sometimes I like to footle around!
Goldsmith Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Your "Why Not" is a creative/fun write. I enjoyed reading. "Good Luck" I did "WHY NOT Enter A Contest." Have A Very Blessed Christmas and New Year 2026..............
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Cool idea!
Kauffman Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The possibilities for future poems is on full display in your ever creative mind. They are tantalizing! invitations to explore the realm of poetry! But, I love the last line about rhymes!!! Best wishes for the contest. Blessings of joy to you as your poems bring me so much joy!
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Awww. Thanks, Sam
Beaufort Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Hi Andrea, I see you are having fun with your work. That's always good. While I usually take a different course, I've written something today just for pleasure. Anyway, hope you have been well. Take care and have a wonderful holiday!!
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I will go see what you wrote now
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Yes, I try to write mainly for fun but some of the contest prompts really do me in!!
Rodgers Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Dear Andrea, I felt like sitting with a friend who’s joyfully flipping through a box of poetic toys. I especially smiled at the giraffe limerick idea and the gentle nod to free verse. It’s such a fun thought that poetry is play as much as it is art. Holiday Blessings, Dear Andrea, Daniel
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Thanks. You get it!
Rolland Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 7:24 AM
so cute,, i love your creativity and wish you a price
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Thanks, Yann
Buhagiar Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Quite an impressive poem. Rhyming is difficult for me as I speak Maltese. A very interesting poem. Quite reflective.
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Thanks. Probably not impressive for the sponsor but I had fun with it
Kerr Avatar
December 16, 2025 at 10:34 PM
This work is an original approach to the contest. Inventive and witty, Andrea Howard .
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Thanks.
Alhemaidy Avatar
December 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Very nice read! Have a nice time :-)
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
enjoyed the free-flow of your poem. best wishes with this contest entry.
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