Try to be genuine.
Express a tender sentiment.
I’ll guarantee that someone
turns it into a joke
faster than a paparazzo
can snap a picture.
The winner is the one
who tips over
the most sacred cows -
just for the joy of tipping
of course.
Was there supposed to be
more needed than that?
Maybe I like my edge with meaning.
Maybe I like it with a heart and a brain,
and a dash of courage too, come to think of it.
Maybe I prefer
the sentimental,
the unusual,
the sweet,
the dark,
separately or all steeped together,
as long as they are honest.
Or perhaps I should look at cat videos instead.
This poem was created in response to a prompt given over at Imaginary Gardens for Real Toads Sunday Mini Challenge, where we are asked to contemplate what is real and what is artifice.
I love this, Rommy. It expresses what we old relics used to call the zeitgeist--the spirit of the age--perfectly. Facebook comments are scary enough, but if you dare to read you tube or a few other such places, you will become convinced there's absolutely no hope left for humanity. Poetry helps though. I especially like the progression, and how the poem ramps up at the end.
ReplyDeleteOh gods, I learned long ago if I wanted to keep a semblance of sanity never to look at the comments section.
DeleteHowever, sometimes like Bluebeard's wife, I can't help but peek at the horror...the horror...
This makes me want to watch poetry on youtube... (is there an oxymoron in itself).. I think you have put the point in what's real vs Artificial ... though I have to admit the cat's are cute.. and so are husky pups.
ReplyDeleteLOL, well I'm thinking it's time for me to record another one of my poems. It's not youtube, but it's something.
DeleteAnd I'll admit to being a sucker for puppy videos, especially if they involve corgis.
Well done! I certainly appreciate the comment fatigue. It is so sad to be uplifted by something, then have the mood spoiled by brats. Kitty videos it is!
ReplyDeleteLOL they are adorable
DeleteIt is very difficult to dare to be genuine, and sincere, and, as you have expressed it, real. Sometimes that is sentimental as it describes feeling. That all said, I kind of like kitty videos! Ha. Thanks for the sincere and apt poem. k.
ReplyDeleteOh I like them too. They are wonderful for coaxing a smile out of me.
DeleteYesyesyesyes ! While I do love people who do sarcasm with class I hate the idea of cheap humour over sincerity and meaningful conversation!
ReplyDeleteWoot! Exactly! I love some good snark as well as the next person, but there's only so much I can take before I feel like I would if I had eaten a dinner composed entirely of Doritos.
DeleteSuch a good point you raise here! I agree with your viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteAbsolutely!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYay for cat videos!
ReplyDeleteLOL, lately this one has been cracking me up https://www.facebook.com/thepetcollective/videos/1175505819130888/
Delete"The winner is the one
ReplyDeletewho tips over
the most sacred cows -
just for the joy of tipping
of course."
My philosophy exactly!
Yes!!!! Love my cats!
ReplyDeleteRommy, this is fantastic. And I'm right with the speaker. Although I enjoy watching the tipping of a "sacred cow" or 50 (and who doesn't love cat videos?), I still prefer (and wish to see) things that grab me by the gut, and make me laugh while I'm thinking about their depths.
ReplyDeleteThis flows - I love the "reaching for joy" feel of this and I agree - where would we be without cat videos. :)
ReplyDelete