Poetry

1960’s Selma
by Earl Bergland, 1968

Ya plant your feet and hump your back.
Standing there with the worn traces slack.
Nip some short grass sip the water.
Pull our plow a little farther.

Hey, let's quit that mean braying now.
Shoulder the leather, pull our plow.
Taste the oats have a little straw,
Pull together for good of all.

Come on Jackass Come on!

Follow the rein, part of the train.
Do not fool with your lazy brain.
Hey, you're on America's team.
Sir, you are a part of the dream.

Throwing your head, taking the bit.
Puts a swinging mule out of it.
Hear the church music sing and shout.
Know in heaven what its about.

Come on Jackass Come on!

Separate but equal is tease.
Let's work together try to please.
Ya swapping ends staring in eye.
What right you to doubt lawyer lie?

When it's over, dream oats and stall.
Please, Jackass for the good of all!
Different colored horse hate see.
Why not 'nother Jackass like me?

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.