Even Uncle Paul

I returned … and saw

That under sun

The race is not to those

So swift, not even two

Or three, or one ...

Of bleakly prominent nose,

Nor battle to the steroid strong

Who play quite competent mah-jongg

(Neither bread to wise,

We must indeed surmise);

Nor riches to the men of understanding

For their gross unwise grandstanding,

Nor yet favor to such men of skill

Who can perhaps but barely pay their monthly bill;

But time and chance doth happeneth to all—

Whether or no they’re having a ball.

Even dear old Uncle Paul.

About This Poem

About the Author

Country/Region: USA

Comments

weirdelf

18 years 8 months ago

Not one of your best

am not sure what you thought of Uncle Paul. But made me think about the way you clearly write so thoughtfully, so carefully constructively. It jinxes my muse most utterly if I express any intention poetic, but am thinking about you and the way you write. cheers, Jess

barbsdad2003

18 years 8 months ago

On the Contrary

This is one of my best. It's apparent you missed the boat here. I expect others will recognize this piece. As one who routinely writes nonsense verse, I am well aware that rules delimiting more normal poetry do not apply as strictly in the case of balderdash---satirical, fatuous---pennings. Thanx, Chuck PS: You assume I have an Uncle Paul. (I don't.) Am I prohibited from writing fiction? PS PS: I am not charged with getting you to understand what is already understandable.

weirdelf

18 years 8 months ago

fair cop, Chuck

I was having a bad night reviewing, sometimes I should just shut up. cheers, Jess

weirdelf

18 years 8 months ago

Perhaps I can do better tonight

I have been confused before by your use of fictional characters names. That night I had read a series of poems, by other people, that were based in deeply personal experiences. No excuse, I should know you better by now. I do respect you breaking all the rules but sometimes it leaves me all aflounder, like the fish gasping for breath on the shore, once caught. Upon my many re-readings of this, yes I mostly get it. Where some of your poems are delightful nonce, and a few are very direct and straight forward, this was a mixture of both. You are the most accomplished wordsmith on this site, no flattery (if some of the other poets I admire read this I offer no apology) I can only say that when I don't get you, sometimes it is my abhorrence to puzzle solving, sometimes you are too clever for me. I don't want to open a newspaper with a policy of 12 year old literacy, but i do like to have chance. But maybe, just maybe, your work is not always perfect, perhaps actually, sometimes, a bit obscure. with utmost respect, Jess