Eavesdropping

We’ve moved into June, and I need a poetry style that starts with the letter F. I’ve decided to write Free verse Poems. Writing Free Verse Poems for an entire month frightens me because they lack meter, rhythm, and form. Sometimes a person needs these guidelines to keep them honest. What makes a poem a poem if there is no way to define it as a poem? The only way to start the party is to run my finger over the keys and see what pops up on the computer screen. I will call this poem Eavesdropping.

First, let’s explore the characteristics of Free Verse Poetry and Eavesdropping

1. Candace and flow
2. The built on the language of the poet
3. Non-uniform lines and stanzas
4. Experience with space
5. Prosaic Qualities
6. Concise Imagery

It appears free verse isn’t as rudderless as I first thought. My poetry writing challenge in June could get exciting. It’s time to read  Eavesdropping.

Eavesdropping
Three women spill gossip down the grocery store aisle.
I am a silent witness but intrigued all the same.
I got to hear about Mary’s arthritis.
I discovered Chester was sleeping with someone,
That went by the name of Simone,
But was probably called Gladys instead,
By the time we got to the milk, I wore a smile.
Because most of the gossip was pretty tame
None of it involved me or mine or us.
Two more aisles, and I’d be gone.
“Did you hear?” one said with a moan.
“About the guy that ended up dead.”
My ears perked up, and I listened with style.
Eavesdropping can be a dangerous game.
When the stakes are high, and the talker makes a fuss.
 “They found his body spread out on the lawn,”
I heard he lay there all alone,
They say the cause of death was a gunshot to his head.”
“Really, you don’t say, but that sounds vile.
I bet we can all guess the culprit’s name.
Do you imagine she took the first bus
Everyone knows by now what she’s done.
I wonder if she acted alone?”
I pushed my cart to the side and silently fled. 

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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