#6

My favorite poem in the packet is Read This Poem from the Bottom Up by Ruth Porritt.
Oddly enough, the stanza structure didn't change my opinion. If something is to be in rhythm, four is the usual choice. This poem doesn't have a set meter (especially when you read from the top), but the four lines per stanza did make it pleasing to the eye.

This poem is my favorite because I actually attempted to write a piece like this in high school. I thought it was pretty original back then, but I guess it's all been done before.

Anyway, here's my poem. Instead of reading line by line backwards, you read all the way through, then read backwards by the stanza. Keep in mind this was many years ago and it has not been revised. Suggestions would always be welcome though!

Reverse

I am numb,
Floating through an endless darkness,
Unable to move or think or speak.

Suddenly, my entire body is burning.
I feel the pain of thousands within me.

I cannot move.
These straps bind me,
They tie me down.

The men lead me in.
It is a tiny room
With a single chair.

I've been waiting for seven years now. Waiting for this day
When I can once again see your face
And tell you I'm sorry
For what you did.

The gavel sounds, and I am led out,
Bound for a seven-year wait.

I admit, it's true.
I did indeed commit this terrible act
Of revenge
I am still amazed at my act of vengeance.

In a fit of rage,
I stab with the pencil
Again and again

You try to apologize,
But I am overcome
With anger,
Fear,
Hate,
And envy.

I begin to write a poem
I am numb,
Floating through an endless darkness...

I know exactly where you were.



I know it was terrible, but like I said, I did it many years ago. Seeing someone else that attempted and succeeded with the same idea made me really excited, so I pulled this one out of the vault for your enjoyment.

~LaRue

#5

What if you had to move to a new state each year?

It would be wonderfully exciting
Wouldn't it?
You'd be provided with
New Year's resolutions for certain.
Find a new state.
Find a new home.
Find a new job,
New friends,
New life.
It would be terribly lonely though
Wouldn't it?
There would be so much
You could never do.
Never live in your childhood home.
Never remember your first state.
Never say "born and raised,"
Be considered a local
Or even feel settled.
If your spouse had already lived in a state you hadn't,
You would be apart for at least a year.
And after all that stress,
No one would live past fifty anyway.