A Critique

 

Some modern poets do not rhyme

And take no care for metered time.

They often write of somber themes,

Not butterflies or lovers' dreams.

And though I try to comprehend

I'm often puzzled at the end.

Was this a social commentary?

Telling me, “Be bold” or “wary?”

To me a poem should be half song

Whose rhythm stays the whole day long.

The meaning, if at first not clear,

At least is pleasant to the ear.

And at some lucid point in time,

The message breaks though metered rhyme,

With images for my mind's eye,

Of scorching sand or midnight sky.

So if you still must write free verse,

Please make sure it's nothing worse.

And please don't leave me high and dry,

Emotionless left wondering why.

(© 1998 Connie S. Tettenborn)