Poetry

Pollution
by Earl Bergland, 1972

For what we didn't do that we should have done,
we live now with pollution.
Our friends hike in litter by the brook & glen,
A beautiful way a vacation to spend.

For what we didn't do that we should have done,
Our kids see less and less of the sun.
Our little boy would like to swim,
In a river that wouldn't kill him.

For what we didn't hear that we should have heard,
Children seldom know a singing bird.
Let's pass the buck to see how far it will go,
Even damn the Indians and Old Black Joe.

For what we didn't say that we should have said,
Little boys catch fish floating dead.
Can't find a Christmas tree for our home,
Cause they are smothered by Ozone.

For what we didn't write that we should have written,
The wildcat won't have a kitten.
For what we didn't do that we should have done,
The kids aren't proud to be daughter and son.

We're telling you now Mr. Congressman,
Consider the living in the laws of this land.
For what we didn't give that we should have been giving,
Life is a little less living, a little less living.

Return to the main Poetry page »

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.