IN PRAISE OF TRADITIONAL POETRY

IN PRAISE OF TRADITIONAL POETRY



When I read a poem what do I want?
I want it should give me reading pleasure.
It ought to flow from lips as a smooth song
And be cherished in heart as a treasure.

The flow is what matters to me utmost,
There should be no jarring turbulences.
The poem ought to stand out on its own,
Free from all external influences.

If rhyme can be added to the poem,
It certainly gives it a lilting tune.
Mounted on rhyme and flow if there’s music,
None can from its charm ever be immune.

The so called free verse I do not decry
But even it must have a certain flow.
Arbitrary lines do not make a verse,
All that they do is make readers’ mind blow.


• Written in pentameter in abcb rhyme.



M C Gupta
11 June 2007