Down Shakes and Up Shakes

This is a 6 syllable line poem that I did last night. I thought that I'd give it a try.

Down on the ground it shakes,
I shudder when it cries.
Not knowing what to do,
I trembled at the thought.

Far from the trees it flies,
Where it came from, I'm not sure.
Like the boy and his drum,
I know where it will lie.

It may be far-reaching,
When loneliness sets in.
When the bottom is reached,
A lowly cloud hangs low.

Now's the time to reach up,
You must go to the top.
If you're slow, don't worry;
You'll make it through the door.

Lift your hands in the air,
You'll know it's not too late.
It makes your effort real,
When you decide your fate.

Sit up straight, nice and tall,
You'll feel good, there's no doubt.
You have won the jackpot,
That's the way it should be.

Don't waste time, you'll be fine,
When you walk down the line.
Go out now and have some fun,
The loneliness is gone.

Just look up, don't look down,
It doesn't matter how,
Down shakes and upshakes come.
Holy cow! You look swell!


Written by Anna Marie Carlson
Preferred Author
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Modified Friday, February 20, 2026