All Poetry Sucks to Some Extent

All poetry sucks to some extent,
But it’s no reason to lament,
For poetry’s shorter than bad prose,
It’s both a blessing and a curse—
Whether it’s deep or Hallmark verse—
What is it good for, anyway?
No one knows.

So go ahead and write, my friend,
Who knows? We could start a trend
That’s better than some music, I suppose—
Just write it bold and write it free
And sign it for eternity—
A rose is a rose is a rose.

Just play it smart and play it cool,
For you and I break all the rules,
Free-styling with our verbal blows.
Now go ahead and let it fall,
Just listen to your muse’s call
And let it all explode in your soul.

And when you feel you’ve had enough,
Just let it out—a healthy laugh—
Whether it’s met with condemnation
Or applause.


  February 13, 2005
--Alexander Shaumyan