Poetry

Ode to Guy Braly of Longmont, Colorado
by Earl Bergland, November 8th, 1994

onward civilization tarry thee not
tread with care as decent folks would
hear in the wind the words of all
your wisdom is the future blossoming

a neighborhood is your doing
be a stern shepherd in a beloved garden
put some sweat into the cultivating
the harvest is a winter of celebration

fairness balances power greed risk
mankind has disrupted natures way
natures response is a tragic drama
why jeopardized the needs of mankind

honest dealing is beyond signed papers
responsibility is a face to face dance partner
flirting with ambition over your shoulder
who urges dares a risk at doubloon waterfalls

self discipline is a trustworthy friend
secretly starving for flashes of triumph
who bravely staves off dishonor
amidst the cawing of jabing barbs

somebody oughta fix that
theres a better way to do it
well its gonna take hard cold work
im game now if you are

what road or bridge echoes the makers name
who taught what lifes lesson
to whom offer thanks

civilization created with dignity
anonymous donations sparkle
an individual is a rainbow

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Writing Poetry

Why Poetry? Poems are written by people who are too lazy to write a book. Most people who write poetry would do more good for the world by growing flowers or painting old barns. But we need to have patience because many young poets just need a few years of practicing as do musicians.
What are the three basic requirements for a quality poem?
A. The topic must be very important.
B. The poet must express thoughts with clarity.
C. The poem must create a dramatic impact (create an emotional feeling) in reader.
Is poetry a waste of time? That is a tough question. We can wonder the same thing about fishing or watching a football game. A poem provides the poet with a means of expressing ideas and feelings by a very personal means. Playing basket ball or cooking is also a means of personal expression.
What kind of an attitude should we have about reading poetry? Imagine sitting in a park on a spring day listening to your friend discuss ideas with you. Poets love waterfalls and country fried chicken.