I first saw Cleave Poetry on Ben Alexander’s wonderful blog, so I did a little research. This style of poetry, created by Dr. Phvoc-Tan Diep, is three poems combined into one with two contrasting views. The reader must read the right side of the poem. Then the left side of the poem. Finally, they must read all the lines to catch the entire meaning. I decided to try Cleave poetry in December. I think it might prove to be my biggest challenge—the next poem of the month I titled The Character’s Speak.
The Character’s Speak
Where do we begin/it looks like they’re fighting again
The writer and the muse/ they both have a short fuse
They work so hard/Word Daddy’s picketing in the yard
The writer never relents/ she is so hesitant
She types words every day/ and she’s afraid to let us come out and play
At times we see her grin/ how can characters ever win
When her characters amuse/ please publish us for the public to abuse
Word Daddy has a point/ we should flee this joint
Eight edits is enough/ A fictional character’s life can be tough
It’s time to get the words on a page/ because there is a certain rage
Hidden away on a flash drive/ unable to come alive
We want to breathe fresh air/ Like either of them care
I know she’s trying for perfection/ I’m advocating for our protection
Sometimes good is good enough/ I’m also calling Word Daddy’s bluff
A word to the wise/ he needs to realize
It has never been or will be about the money
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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