Poetry

In Harm’s Way
by Earl Bergland, December 3rd, 2009

Ah, the words flow from the lips as the gentle stream wandering thru the pasture to the lake.

The politicians say “in harm’s way” as if they were poets heavy with great empathy. Before saying the soothing words, there are words such as “We regret even considering” or “It is only because of this crisis”. Politicians slow down for the speed bump, dodge the pot hole and then speak of what is really important (oil. religion, socialism or military base). Of course, besides the in harm’s way bit, there are real costs and sacrifices taxpayers at home have to bear. Fortunately, some can buy stocks in war machine. Hey, war does not mean everybody has to be a loser, just most.

Actually in harm’s way is a soldier carrying, dragging part of his dying buddy’s body behind a wall. With blood on his hands and clothes, he keeps on fighting to stay alive. Now and then he looks at his dead friend. He thinks of dying in the bombed building. He thinks of his buddy’s family. Kids never see dad again, just look at pictures of him the rest of their lives and wonder how it might have been. The in the harm’s way soldier and family have life time tortured dreams.

Don’t you all forget that other politician line about mmmm “not died in vain crap”. Talking about homemade butter on your bread!

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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.