Poetry

The Pedestal
by Earl Bergland, 1974

A heavy shoulder full of rough
Weathered oak waited by the bench.
Thick lengths of iron
Rested on the heated forge.

The autumn day did hear
The ringing hammer
Shaping the fiery mental.
The axe hewed the lumber
To its firm fit.

Hammered iron, seasoned oak
Formed as one a pedestal,
A knight, courting the lake's favor
Cajoled winter for capes of ice and snow.

Stood the valiant still in spring.
Flowering webs clothed the gaunt frame.

Summer's fledglings sought
The stalwart goal, then proudly
Sang as if to wave a banner.

Autumn's vined draped soldier
Cheered the forest ladies*
To mimic the aurora borealis

Formed of hammered iron,
Of weathered oak wood
Season through season
The pedestal exalted nature.

notes:
*Fall trees changing colors.
So, like why didn’t I just say that?

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.