An Ode To Poetry
It seems as if most people aren’t all that fussed about poetry,
And that it is simply the interest of a minority.
“No, it’s not my thing,” you hear people say, somewhat indifferently,
And yet, what’s the content of most ballads one hears? It’s poetry!
Yes, wed poetry to a very enjoyable melody,
And suddenly it’s popular, and loved by a majority.
Not that people consciously recognize that it is poetry,
They being so caught up in that fusion, that magical chemistry.
You see, poetry and music are soul mates, so in harmony,
Both being deftly orchestrated, and propelled rhythmically.
Yes, poetry is eloquence, and music is its finery,
Hence why when wedded, they weave a strong emotional tapestry.
Oh, how poetry waxes lyrical, and most engagingly,
Yes, it being pure sophisticated highbrow creativity.
Poetry has a certain panache, yet, respectability,
And all because it’s not just words — oh no — but rhythmic artistry.
Yes, poetry seduces with its charm, its rich imagery,
Lifting what is mere language from its state of mediocrity.
Oh, how it challenges one's thoughts, entertains, teases mentally,
Conveying whatever it so desires to, very succinctly.
Oh yes, all that clever rhyming that can weary poets greatly,
As they thumb through their stained thesaurus and rhyming dictionary.
But in the end, when their poem’s penned, and charged with mental energy,
They bristle with deep fulfilment — and perhaps slump exhaustedly.
Oh, how they greatly battle with verse and rhyme, heroically,
Thereby attempting to pen an alphabetical symphony.
A poem that folk won’t forget, one that's inspired and visionary,
Yes, a picturesque masterpiece, all courtesy of poetry.
By Lance Landall
Chuffed With Language
Language is a magic thing, something to appreciate,
Something that can captivate, motivate, and activate.
It’s the content of a speech, chat, song, lecture, debate,
The content of prose, a poem, story, news we circulate.
Yes, language is a really great way to communicate,
Abbreviate, hyphenate, punctuate, accentuate.
Or to negotiate, elaborate, extrapolate,
In fact, verbally speaking, it’s the best way to relate.
Language can also be used very badly, I must state,
To procrastinate, irritate, aggravate, fabricate.
Or to denigrate, nauseate, exasperate, deflate,
Insinuate, retaliate, intimidate, berate.
But all in all, language is something we should celebrate,
And those who use it correctly we should congratulate.
And where possible, its advantages accommodate,
Lest it deteriorate, suffer some terrible fate.
There’re many words that in one’s mind a picture will create,
Like vaccinate, renovate, luxuriate, marinate.
Or like overweight, underweight, featherweight, levitate,
Dislocate, extricate, detonate, hibernate, gyrate.
But wait! There’s more! After all, I’m trying to educate,
In the hope that the joys of language you’ll investigate.
Or that you will at least such seriously contemplate,
For the merits of doing so, I just can’t overstate.
Yes, language is exciting, so I wouldn’t hesitate,
Rather, meditate, let your creative buds germinate.
And shortly, artistic expressions will accumulate,
That your skills will elevate, and your efforts compensate.
By Lance Landall
Literary Speaking
Now, when furthering our literary education,
It also pays to improve upon pronunciation.
Such an approach will greatly assist articulation,
Which is important when it comes to communication.
At the end of the day, it’s all about motivation,
Because one needs to study, apply determination.
One won’t get far by just wishing, or mere contemplation,
But rather, by application and assimilation.
Thus, I hope you’ll follow up on my recommendation,
Which inevitably leads to one’s edification,
But only where there’s preparation and cultivation,
And a genuine thirst for constructive information.
Yes, illumination’s the outcome of revelation,
And it greatly enhances creative inspiration.
It’s a fertilizer that stimulates germination,
A helping hand, that’s strengthened by careful observation.
Yes, there’s nothing like a constructive imagination,
Aided by quality literary stimulation.
For such will soon bring an intelligence escalation,
And produce many a wonderfully penned creation.
Thus, I would suggest that you begin an exploration,
Yes, a passionate literary investigation.
And given time, you may well produce your own publication,
A most likely outcome, not a mere exaggeration.
Yes, fall in love with literature, deep conversation,
Pick up a pen and paper with purpose, dedication.
Lose yourself midst worthy words, and earnest concentration,
And enjoy the buzz of literary intoxication.
By Lance Landall
