Waxing (and Waning) Poetic

About the Folder

I don’t often write poetry, but when I do, I gravitate towards the more “traditional” brand. As a person who is mathematically-inclined, logical, and craves routine, I suppose it makes sense that I generally have a greater appreciation for poetry with more order, pattern, rhythm and rhyme.



About the Items

"Bacon's Rebellion"  [13+]
A poem about a portentous event in Colonial American history that occurred approximately 100 years before the American Revolution. Tensions between class and race become apparent.

"Into the Wild Black Yonder"  [13+]
I’ve always found black holes fascinating, and this poem describes what I think it would be like to be caught in ones gravitational pull. Let me warn you that the experience is far from pleasant. The lack of any sort of pattern in this poem reflects the chaos surrounding a black hole.

"Big Brother"  [13+]
A poem intended to capture the essence of 1984, which, ominously enough, seems to get more prophetic with every passing year. The concept of “Big Brother” is well known, even by those who have never read the story. We can only hope that society doesn’t continue to travel farther down this road.

"As I Wander'd Lone through Nature"  [E]
I decided to take a walk through nature and the seasons of America by following the trail of one of the greatest American poets of all time: Walt Whitman. Although this is a free verse poem, it is not without order and patterns. The patterns are found in the snowflake, the meanders of the river, the seashell, and the leaf.

"Dawn of the Phoenix"  [ASR]
The idea of the phoenix, or similar beasts like the roc and thunderbird, has captivated many different civilizations throughout history. What is it that draws us to this mythical creature? Is it because we are fascinated by the concepts of resurrection and eternal life, or are we simply dazzled by its beauty? Not only do I feel that this is my most vivid poem, but in terms of rhythm and meter, it is, in my opinion, head and shoulders above the rest.

"Hyperbole"  [13+]
Do you know what “hyperbole” is? No? Well, there are more examples of hyperbole than there are stars in the sky, but this poem is a good start in helping to understand this oft-used literary device. Even if you already know about hyperbole, however, you will hopefully still find this poem to be amusing and enjoyable.

"Hope Springs Eternal"  [ASR]
September 11, 2001, was one of the most tragic days in the history of America and the world. In the ensuing years, I’ve come to cringe at the misuse of the word “patriot” and many other political matters. However, September 11 was a day when everyone put politics aside, and I have focused on its universal essence in this, probably my most emotional poem.

"Force of Nature"  [ASR]
Nature can be a calming influence in our lives, but She is also capable of causing great disorder and destruction. This poem serves as the yang to complement the yin of “As I Wander’d Lone through Nature.” Despite the chaotic subject matter present here, there is still a rhyme scheme, which I feel is the most original and creative of all my poems.