I was introduced to the Clunker Exchange by fellow poet, Linda Mitchell. Linda shared a list of lines she considered 'clunkers' (lines of poetry that didn't quite work for her or 'click seamlessly into place).
Linda invited her readers to take one or more of those lines and see if they could make something of those clunkers. She was also willing to accept one of our own clunkers in exchange for one of those on her list.
So I selected one and left one in return. I am not going to reveal the exact clunker I lifted from Linda's list, but I am more than happy to share the poem I have made in which the line now rests. Happily I hope...
Some Ground Rules
Sometimes the rules
are laid down
Carved in stone,
Inflexible,
Absolute,
And quite
unforgiving
-Trust and obey for
there’s no other way
Sometimes the rules
appear open to interpretation
The umpire’s call,
The magistrates
merciful whim.
Sometimes the rules
Are there to keep us
in
Sometimes to keep us
out
Sometimes the rules
slow us down
Sometimes they speed
us up
-Move along please
Sometimes the rules
are advisory
-Socially distance
-Wear a mask in crowded
indoor settings
-It's good for the
community
Sometimes though, the
rules have outlived their usefulness
Become archaic
No longer fit for purpose or porpoise...
-It’s still illegal to name a pig Napoleon, in
France
Sometimes, the rules
are laid down
Forgotten,
And never picked up.
©Alan j Wright
It is Poetry Friday and our host is Margaret Simon. Please drop by and find out how she contributed to an anthology of poems encapsulating responses to the Covid lockdown in 2020.
Linda's clunker exchange is such fun and your poem is a worthy response to her challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed your poetic contemplation of rules and their nuances.
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly. Linda's clunker exchange appealed right from the start. Just the right amount of challenge within its framing. Glad you enjoyed my rule reflection.
DeleteThanks for this fresh look at rules! Is it still illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France??! Shows you how powerful words and names can be.
ReplyDeleteTheir lists of archaic laws to be found on the internet Irene. Some of them are hilarious. It seems that in Texas, it is illegal to graffiti someone else's cow and in Israel it is illegal to take a bear on to a beach. Napoleon and the pig just struck a chord with me. There is indeed power in words and names.
DeleteI'm guessing the offence is to Napoleon... and not the pig? I've missed lots in my busy AWOL time; the clunker exchange and the poetry swap. But it's so good to be catching up again, at last.
ReplyDeleteNapoleon it is Kat. Welcome back after your time working elsewhere. It is always interesting to discover what has emerged while you been focused elsewhere.
DeleteAlan, your clunker poem exchange lifts my spirits this morning. Rules: "No longer fit for purpose or porpoise..." with reference to Napoleon-love those thoughts and how they fit into your poem.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to bring some irreverent humour to a subject that often gets bogged down in serious consideration Carol. I'm glad your spirits were lifted by my words around rules.
DeleteAlan, what a great poem you created from Linda's line. I love that you touched on so many aspects of Rules. I especially liked the pointing out that some rules "keep us in", "keep us out", "slow us down", "speed us up." That and other lines really show that many rules seem arbitrary, like Napoleon. : )
ReplyDeleteSometimes they speed us up
Thank you Denise. When we burrow down into a topic/idea we begin to see it from different angles and that it is when we open ourselves up to being better informed. So Linda's gift of words was such a blessing.
DeleteClunker lines lead to good places! Thanks for this. Yes, I remember hearing about a law in a particular state, I've forgotten where, prohibiting the bouncing of pickles. It may have been useful when pickles were purchased from large open barrels, but now it just seems ludicrous. And, for what it's worth, I think Napoleon is a splendid name for a pig!
ReplyDeleteClunkers can be captivating Karen. The pickle law is an enduring curiosity. Like you, I think Napoleon is a great name for a pig
DeleteHow FUN! I see the clunker....and look at how shiny you made it with this wonderful, thought provoking poem. At first, I thought I was in for a simple funny poem. But, I agree with Irene...the power of words is not to be underestimated or misjudged. A wonderful response. Now, let's see if I can respond with something as inspiring as this! You set a high bar here.
ReplyDeleteLinda, it pleases me immensely that you approve of the clunker's new home. I have tried to treat it with dignity and respect. I had a ball in the composition of the poem and I no doubt you will enjoy the challenge of your gifted clunkers too. Good luck moving forward with this.
DeleteThis is such a fun poem about rules with that repeated line that leads us to wonder what will the punch line be. Ha! Nailed it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret. The repetition, as you have alluded to also serves to remind us of the repeated application of many rules. I acknowledge your keen observation in picking up on the punch line ending.
DeleteAlan, I could n' pick the Clunker but nodded and smiled as I read. The last 18 months has spawned lots of new rules, and interesting to see how different people respond to these. I love the Napolean law too. Tickled my fancy.
ReplyDeleteDisguising the clunker became a priority Sally, so it pleases me if it is difficult to sight. You're right about those new rules. Our lives would appear to be changed for the foreseeable future. A new normal I guess.
DeleteYou found both humor and truth when you dug deeply into RULES.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary Lee. The digging did expose some things of note.
DeleteOh, now, that's fun. Wow. Whatever the clunker was, you silenced it and took it right in.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. I like your idea of silencing the clunker.
Delete