A poem that I wrote for my AP Literature class. Free Verse. |
Simple is many things, But to me it means something new. It is to everyone as everything, Be you black, white, German, or Jew. Simple is not having to think When it might be most profitable, For who dares to strain his brain When the result may well be pitiable? Simple is sleeping on a grassy hill, Surrounded by sunshine and earth. Why cramp your back and bruise your behind Whilst napping on stony hearth? Simple is petting the family cat Whether it wants to be touched or not. One never knows when the furry feline Will end up in the dinner pot. Simple is giving a stranger a little peck, Just a quick kiss on the cheek. It’ll make his day, just as sure as I say: Cast of your shroud and don’t be meek! Simple creates lifelong friends Drawn together by similar likes. It could be building cars or reading books, Chasing girls or riding bikes. Simple is as Simple does, There’s no doubt in my mind about that. But where did Simple come from? Answer the question and to you I’ll take of my hat. I heard a story from way back when Of how Simple came to be. It’s an easy tale, to be sure, Simple for both you and me. But even now it’s too simple for you, Though you really want to hear the story Of how Simple came to be In a tale of blood and glory. There will be no blood and of glory less, But I’ll tell you the truth of the matter, Just so long as you let me speak, So as to end this idle chatter. Simple came from a faraway land, Bringing with him extraordinary ideals. He had a dream to change the world, So complex with its complicated appeals. Complex heard of Simple’s wish And laughed until she cried, For she was not the least bit worried; “He’ll not succeed,” she said, “if he tried!” But Simple was not about To give up the good fight. “I’ll never back down,” he said with glee, “Not until I make things right!” Simple went around town To the strangers he didn’t know, Telling them the complications Of being no substance and all show. He taught the people how to love Without much fuss or war. His name they spoke in whispers, His legacy would go down in lore. The people began to be simple, And dropped their complex manners. They saw the light and soon got rid of Their standard daily planners. When Complex heard what had happened, She threw a fit worthy of spoiled kings, For Complex was a jealous lover And didn’t want Simple touching her things. She marched into the village And got right into Simple’s face. “Get out and never come back!” she screeched. “This is my town, my people, my place!” Simple just laughed and took her by the hand, Explaining things to her as he went. He showed her all that he had done, Straightening out the awkward and bent. Complex was still angry, But not as much as before. Simple had sound reasoning, But a different problem had taken the floor. Not only was she jealous, Full of envy and self-doubt, But now she had lost her kingdom To some simple-minded lout! He had freed the minds of the people, And gave them a new way of thinking. He didn’t complicate their lives, Or their habits of eating and drinking. Complex didn’t like this And sought to protest. “It isn’t very fair,” she decided. “I’ll show him who’s best!” So she turned to argue once more, But great was her surprise When Simple up and kissed her, A move both foolish and wise. Simple thought that it was the end for him, So angered Complex would be, But what better way to shut her up, he thought, And I must confess that I agree. But to his own shock Complex kissed him back, Moving in with experience That he surely thought she’d lack. “Teach me to be simple,” she said, “I want to learn your ways. Teach me and I’ll be yours, Faithful to the end of days. “I can’t change my character Or the definition of my being, But I’ll complement your ideals, And the contrast is pretty keen. So Simple won the day, The cause, and the girl. He could’ve taken a royal title, Such as Duke, Prince, or Earl. “It’s too complicated,” he said, His arm around Complex’s waist. “Why have it all when I’m satisfied With just a simple taste?” So ends my tale, And I hope you understood. You haven’t met Simple yet, But the encounter would do you good. Complex still owns your mind, But her lover will soon see That you belong to him, Wherever you may be. For how simple is Simple, To want to spread his thought? His wonderful ideas That can’t be traded or bought. So remember this next time, When you hurt your brain while stressin’. Simple is just around the corner, Ready to give you a simple lesson. Take my advice and run along; Find Simple before it’s too late. You never know when Complex Might try to take over your fate. |