Poetry

Hero Blues
by Earl Bergland, 1970

I stand so straight and tall
My fears must be very small.
Yes, I guess its, well,
Because I'm a hero.

I sleep without a nightlight,
My door not even open,
Cause the boggy man isn't real
I'm hoping, hoping.

Mommy spanked me today
And not a tear did betray,
Never ditch a day of school
Sit up straight upon a stool.

Always take my "medicine"
Like mom and dad say.
Kneel in church, ask for mercy,
For ears to hear a conscience pray.

Marching under the flag
In a uniform so clean
Never try black market
To keep the pocket green.

For brotherhood of all I am keen,
Yet tend I a killing machine.

Mom hugs me, sniffs and smiles.
Dad beams and shakes my hand.
Got a Purple Heart fighting
Little fellows on their land.

I do my duty well.
I always give it hell.
I am what I must do.
I stand staunch, very true.

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.