Poet Banter

Poet Banter
...free verse meets rhyme...

Two poets meet out on the street
as their eyes weave and waver.
They have seen each others’ work
and taken in each others’ measure.
One by name is called “Rhyme,”
the other’s known as “Free Verse.”
As they greet out on the street,
their words have been rehearsed.

‘Well, now, Free Verse, we finally meet
How are you doing this fine day?
I’ve been meaning to stop by your port,
but as you know, I’ve stayed away.

“Not wanting to offend when I read your work
I’ve opted to refrain rather than cause you grief.”
To Rhyme’s rather unkind rendering there came
a grin and then the words, “What’s you’re beef?”

“Hey, Rhyme, I never thought we’d meet like this
Here out on the avenue, but since we have
and since you said what you thought you had to –
I will add my words to yours and let them fly
as they will – you know us folks with my name,
“Free Verse” – we just let it flow any which way.”

Free Verse was smiling as Rhyme stood his ground,
“I don’t like your tone, and I don’t like your sound.
You’ve given me a headache just to hear your voice,
but since I’m a gentleman, I guess I have no choice.”

By now Free Verse was laughing as he saw Rhyme in pain.
He thought to himself, “I have nothing here to gain.
But it is such fun to render the Rhymer without words
that I think I won’t surrender..no, that rhymes with render…
I won’t give in..ah, yes, a better phrase.. I’ll stay a little
while longer and see how this turns out.”

Back and forth they bantered, each meaning to persuade,
Neither heard the other, nor did either back away.
It could have gone on forever if not for a stronger voice:
The Reader of the poems shouted: “Let me make the choice!”

“If what you each have written is truly from your heart,
the words will flow from within you and your poem will stand apart.
If fame is what you’re after, and with rhyme or free verse,
you try to force the issue, your poetic future looks adverse.

“Now, shake hands like men and agree to disagree if you will.
In the world of poetry, you both have rolls to fill.
Neither is the master, neither lives to serve the king;
but you both should use your words to bring enlightening.”

Copyright  ©  January 14, 2009 by Karen M. Crump