What is a list poem? This poetry style collects a list of people, places, things, ideas, or even words strung together somewhere within a poem to form a list. It is not necessary for the list to rhythm, but the words used should be memorable. I find the freedom when creating a list poem fascinating. The wordplay can be wild and free similar to Indiana weather in the early spring. Therefore, in March, I plan to write a series of list poems. I will title this one Highland Park.
Highland Park
Eighty acres in the middle of the city
playground equipment in orange, green, and blue
Sparking in the sunlight bright and pretty
A concession stand with goodies for me and you
The Vermont covered Bridge built in 1875
The red structure spans the Kokomo Creek
Through snow, wind, and hail it managed to survive
Ducks float down below and quack and shriek
Expatriate Canadian geese and white escapes from the farm
Make their home on the fast-flowing waters
Exhibiting their friendly fowl charm
Like vagrant summertime squatters
Old ben the worlds largest steer is showing his age
He’s in need of some help from a skilled taxidermist
A Civil War cannon rescued from the battles rage
The Sycamore Stump could house a family of Elves in earnest
Three baseball diamonds
Horseshoe pits
One frisbee golf course
An outside basketball court
Put in place for maximum amusement
For those of us who are into playing a sport
Pavilions
Shelters
An open stage
Summer band concerts
And numerous grills
Scattered throughout the park
For those of us who go in for sedate thrills
A dam
A spillway
And a green gazebo
A walkway
Past where the bears used to be
And don’t forget to stop
At The Elwood Haynes Museum
Before you go
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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