Jan Allison Poet Free verse

Words

I cannot put into words
how diabolical this task is – I simply can't hack it!
This morning I burst out crying
as I was wracking my brains trying to focus 
and think of a form for this particular sponsor
now I’m going out of my mind with worry 

It’s so horrific -
trying to work with a sprinkling of consonants
and using strict phonics
with an aim of making a witty work for folk to follow.

So I’m truly sorry 
if you think that this long composition
is just a load of old codswallop!

Lipogram Poem Poetry Contest

Sponsored by Emile Pinet

07/13/20

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Reason A. Poteet July 29, 2020 at 10:00 PM codswallop?? a worthy lipogram indeed. I wrote a piece myself and found it was no E-E-easy task. Congrats.

Aditi Mishra July 28, 2020 at 1:08 PM Oh this is such a witty one Jan! Honest words have been spoken. Congratulations on your win. Much love :)

Jenna Logan July 27, 2020 at 11:45 AM A codswallop winner. Nice work, Jan.

Eve Roper July 27, 2020 at 11:22 AM that is wonderful... expressing my feelings with English and writing. Not a contest I entered, to confusing. Congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve

Sam Kauffman July 27, 2020 at 8:57 AM Your irascible humor at work again, Jan! I love the mischi_f and truth! Just sitting and grinning! Congratulations on your win and that's my lipogram for you! Blessings!

Emile Pinet July 27, 2020 at 7:29 AM Congratulations Jan! Your poem earned a distinguished place in my contest, due to the technical demands of this form it was a difficult contest to both enter and judge, but I loved your approach. Very well done my friend, Emile.

Edward Ibeh July 19, 2020 at 7:49 PM Beautifully well-done, Jan:-) Best of luck in Emile's contest!

Paul Callus July 18, 2020 at 3:55 PM You definitely managed to find the right words as you took on this challenging ordeal, Jan! Of all the letters in the English alphabet "E" is used most often, so making do without is usually unthinkable! Hugs // paul

Jennifer Proxenos July 18, 2020 at 11:27 AM I think it refreshingly honest - I love it and wish you all the luck you deserve Jan. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.

Lindsay Laurie July 15, 2020 at 7:02 PM G'day Jan ... you're luckier than I'll ever be Jan. You can go to a topic and make something good. A topic must come to me - thanks Jan - Lindsay

Christopher Flaherty July 15, 2020 at 5:42 PM Word perfect Jan Good luck Worthy of a win

Carolyn Devonshire July 15, 2020 at 12:07 PM How I can relate to the angst expressed over the requirements of some contests, Jan. This is when writing poetry becomes more like solving a puzzle. You did a great job! Best wishes in the contest, Carolyn

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders July 15, 2020 at 10:27 AM An excellent approach to a difficult form, Jan! It's honest and clever. "It's only words, and words are all I have", is so close to a lipogram, too! If we could just change that last word to something like hold or carry...it's a beautiful song anyway, and now I'm rambling. GL in the contest! Blessings, Rhonda xx Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:07 PM Thanks Rhonda it was quite a challenge, I love the |Bee Gees - they were born on our little island!:-) hugs Jan xx

Mark Koplin July 15, 2020 at 7:20 AM Another great poem from a great mind. I like the song. Great poem my dear friend. Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:06 PM Thanks Mark:-) hugs jan xx

Joseph May July 14, 2020 at 8:26 PM Very nicely done Jan, best wishes... Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:05 PM thanks Joseph:-) hugs jan xx

John Watt July 14, 2020 at 7:34 PM I admir how you accomplishd this unthinkabl task, Jan! Good luck in th contst. I'm a littl too dauntd to try it. Wondrful song by the BGs! Hugs ~ John Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:04 PM it is quite a challenge!:-) hugs Jan xx

Rico Leffanta July 14, 2020 at 3:00 PM WELL done, Jan! Certainly an excellent return! As for the song, I have never forgotten first hearing, "Its only words, but words are all I have to take your heart away!" That worked out well, too! Aloha! Rico Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:03 PM thanks Rico:-) hugs jan xx

Winged Warrior July 14, 2020 at 4:36 AM The "e's" have gone hiding...marvelous job Jan...love & hugs...^WW^ :o) Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 7:03 PM thanks ^WW^:-) hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham July 14, 2020 at 3:53 AM Like how you composed this Jan, 'e will like this. Love that song too, takes me right back. Tom Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 6:19 PM I hope Emile likes it:-) hugs jan xx

Jenna Logan July 14, 2020 at 3:23 AM You made this real, Jan! Not sure what codswallop means, but I'll assume it's something a fish drops to the bottom of the sea. Yes? Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 6:15 PM so glad Tom gave an explanation jenna, its a British term:-) hugs jan xx Jenna Logan July 14, 2020 at 10:33 AM ok thanks, Tom. Tom Cunningham July 14, 2020 at 3:51 AM A pile of junk Jenna, a load of old tosh lol

Gershon Wolf July 13, 2020 at 10:42 PM A load of 'codswollop,' eh?! Now I've gone from not minding my manners to rolling in the gutter of the lowest-level limericks. Oy! ~ Phoenix Rising Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 6:15 PM lol thanks GW:-) hugs Jan xx

Michelle Faulkner July 13, 2020 at 8:47 PM This is a very tricky contest, Jan, and I love your tongue-in-cheek approach, wishing you luck! Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 6:14 PM it is quite a challenge!:-) hugs jan xx

Sand Blown July 13, 2020 at 7:46 PM ....eh!?...don't worry....stan sand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU Jan Allison July 15, 2020 at 6:14 PM thanks stan:-) hugs Jan xx