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 this style of poetry for December. I think it might prove to be my biggest challenge—the next poem of the month I titled Dealing with a Rooster. Unfortunately, I broke the rules and didn’t examine two conflicting ideas, but Instead, I gave a little helpful cooking advice.
Dealing with a Rooster
Rooster’s always right/ even when he’s not
Sometimes he can lose sight/and needs a good swat
Of the things he doesn’t know/ when he starts to crow
It’s the pride you see/ I think we’ll all agree
The barnyard’s not sacred ground/ Rooster’s make an alarming sound
Birds don’t belong in the Vienna Boys’ Choir/ tough skin, a taste to acquire
Stick him in a pot and slowly simmer/ his prospects are looking dimmer
He’ll suffer in silence/ still there is an element of defiance
Turn up the heat/ there is no time for retreat
There’s only one way to deal with a Rooster/ Stuff him in the oven and bake a 400 until he’s done
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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This is an enjoyable use of the form–except for the rooster who gets cooked.
The loud bird deserved to be put in the pot.
Good one, Molly! If I recall correctly, “Rooster” is your hubby’s nickname? 😀
Yeah. I was a little mad at him this morning. He can be so cocky at times.