Notes About The Poem

This was originally called "Words Can Be," I just had to change the title for the 'Rattling Rhyme' contest - 

Words On the Go

Words can be whimsical, a merry-go-round
They run in a circle, they bounce up and down
They play hide-and-seek, until they are found
Look how quickly the little ones grow!

Words can seduce like a scandalous dance
They'll perplex the complex, if given a chance
They're as sincere as England, as sexy as France
As reckless as the caution they throw

Words can get tipsy if taken too much
The pretentious go on-and-on about such-and-such
The brutish ones can bail you out in a clutch
The foolhardy don't know they don't know

Words can be tacky, tongue wagging gabs
Words can be lavish and leave you the tab
Words can covertly steal and grab
Their smile is only for show

Words can impulsively issue a dare
Words can react with extravagant flair
But words must always be handled with care
When timing's too slow, for words on the go

Look how quickly the little ones grow!
As reckless as the caution they throw
The foolhardy don't know they don't know
Their smile is only for show
When timing's too slow 
For words on the go-

8/7/18
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
January 20, 2021 at 4:18 PM
What a fun and playful study on words ~ so glad this charming poem was published in the 2020 PS Anthology ~
Watt Avatar
October 20, 2020 at 10:41 PM
Coming back to see how well your little ones have grown! This is an excellent choice for the Anthology, as are your other two. Crossing my fingers that you will be well represented in the PS Anthology!
Faulkner Avatar
December 1, 2020 at 7:55 PM
I'm glad it will be included, as your wonderful poems also, John :)
Watt Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 9:13 PM
Michelle, you must know me pretty well to recommend this one... I love wordplay and writings about writing, and rollicking rhythms. I see you won with Nina which must make you feel very accomplished... I really enjoyed how you anthropomorphize words to be different ages and personalities, with varying virtues and vices. Definitely a FAV for me, to be enjoyed multiple times in the future. Love the rhymes and form too, it's similar to a Constanza which I've seen a few of lately. Parfait! ~ John
Faulkner Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 4:59 PM
I'm so glad you liked it, John - and I never thought about the 'personification' angle of this before, so thank you for the new perspective! As for the form, I had noticed Nina had done a few of her poems in a similar style, so I very shamelessly copied her! It is fun to go back and revisit some of the older writes, isn't it?
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 31, 2018 at 12:58 PM
A brilliant winning entry Michelle. Congratulations! Excellent and a fave for me as well! : )
Faulkner Avatar
August 31, 2018 at 3:14 PM
So grateful for your visit and kind words, Connie!
Gentry Avatar
August 30, 2018 at 1:52 PM
Really enjoyed this! Congratulations on your win. Well written, rhymes are excellent, and all fell into place. :)
Faulkner Avatar
August 31, 2018 at 3:14 PM
Thank you, again, Susan, your comments always brighten my day!
Wigley Avatar
August 29, 2018 at 6:43 AM
Very clever, Michelle, and how true. Congrats! Viv x
Faulkner Avatar
August 31, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Thank you, Viv, I enjoyed yours as well!
Canerdy Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 7:15 PM
I'm back to say CONGRATULATIONS on your well-deserved win! Janice
Faulkner Avatar
August 31, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Thank you again, Janice, congratulations to you too!
Wolf Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 5:32 PM
If I could make this a 'double-FAV' I would, Michelle. I think it just sums up what any writer, but especially a poet, is all about. Really now, get this published somewhere. You've got my endorsement. (Soupmail)
Faulkner Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 6:07 PM
I was wondering if my work was really ready to submit to a publication, but now I think I may try it!
Wolf Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 10:09 AM
Just read it again, and it's even better the second time around, which is the sign of actual literary value ! by the way. Hold on to the rights for this one, Michelle. Best wishes, gw
Faulkner Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 2:29 PM
Thanks, I definitely will!
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:40 AM
Greeeaat poem!! Love the crisp coolness of the rhymes, Michelle. It flows w/such hip-bop truthfulness. So jazzy oxinato shines your pulsar pen. Love and more love always. Romantic Warrior
Faulkner Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 2:32 PM
Thanks, Freddie - I like 'Waltzing Words' very clever-
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:44 AM
Btw ... the original title, "Words Can Be" had me thinking of an alternative name dancing in my head while reading this sublime poem ... "Word Waltzing." Ha, ha ... ha! Love and hugs.
Deo Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 7:21 AM
Amen and yes, to WORD/S. Look how "from," - in Latin, EX - becomes EXISTENTIALISM. Shalom, and thanks for reading my senryu on skies. Anil Deo
Faulkner Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 2:44 PM
Thank you for that wise nugget of a word, wishing you all the best!
Canerdy Avatar
August 12, 2018 at 7:12 PM
This is proof that a poem can be rollicking AND meaningful, Michelle! Janice
Faulkner Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 2:44 PM
Thank you for your visit and kind comment, Janice!
Wolf Avatar
August 9, 2018 at 12:12 PM
A winner for sure, Michelle --- at least in my book. Such a delightful romp, so perfectly penned. It's a fave of mine for sure! Best wishes, Gershon
Faulkner Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 6:15 PM
Always grateful for your encouraging comments, Gershon!
Cunningham Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 3:13 PM
Lovely verse Michelle but we'd be speechless without them. Good luck. Tom
Faulkner Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 6:14 PM
That is literally true, thanks Tom!
Krutsinger Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 1:12 PM
I do not have much time, but so glad I took the tie to read this poem. This verse is 100 percent adorable: "They'll perplex the complex, if given a chance They're as sincere as England, as sexy as France." I love the sense of fun in this poem, Michelle.
Faulkner Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 1:22 PM
Thanks, Caren - this originally was an older piece (from twenty plus years on) but I actually rewrote and edited it so much it became something completely new!
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