Epigram on Seasons
While most complain of winter endlessly,
It really is a point I cannot see.
For me, it is the season I can dress,
and know that I'll be warm, without distress.
But summer, that convenience I have not,
and must wear clothes despite the fact I'm hot.
I'm told that most despair to see me nude,
yet, cannot be offended, though it's rude.
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Almost an Epigram, But Not
They say that death and taxes are for sure,
and if they don't treat illness there's no cure.
It's true that someday we will all need care,
but if we can't afford it, is it there?
As politicians go, I'd say they suck,
they won't agree, but say we're out of luck.
They want to pass a bill we can't afford,
act all surprised that there is such discord.
They're willing to sign off if they're exempt,
and wonder why we hold them in contempt.
It's really not that difficult to call --
just pass a bill that covers one and all.
When Congress can live by the bill they wrote,
It's only then that they will get my vote.
Until then, indigestion makes them ill,
poetic justice is a bitter pill.
No elephants or donkeys will prevail,
to fight amongst themselves means they will fail.
Unite they must, to get this bill to pass --
beneath one flag - their mascot is an ass.
As epigram, this poem is now too long,
to illustrate this time they take is wrong.
If you ask me, I think their ship is sunk,
the emblem on their flag should be a skunk.
I can't apologize for what I think;
as politicians go -- 'tis true -- they stink!
KAW 4/3/17
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Author Notes
The artwork is a page from William Blake's notebook (1808-1811) of his epigram, "Blake's apology for his Catalogue," found in Public Domain from Wikisource.
According to shadowpoetry.com: Epigrams are short satirical poems ending with either a humorous retort or a stinging punch line. Used mainly as expressions of social criticism or political satire, the most common forms are written as a couplet: a pair of rhymed lines in the same meter.
The epigrams that I came across ranged anywhere from 2 to 22 lines, but most were between 4-8 lines long. I was surprised to find how many of the masters of old wrote in this style. I thought I'd leave you a list of selections, or you may go here to find more:
https://www.poemhunter.com/poems/epigram/page-1/538984/#content
I came across one titled Epigram, 1734 by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. This started me thinking about how an Epigram 2017 USA would look. That is where the above selection, "Almost an Epigram, But Not," was born. I hope you will enjoy exploring these brief pieces of poetry.
Kim
What Is An Epigram? - Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
What is an Epigram? A dwarfish whole,
Its body brevity, and wit its soul.
Epigram For Wall Street, Edgar Allan Poe
I'll tell you a plan for gaining wealth,
Better than banking, trade or leases -
Take a bank note and fold it up,
And then you will find your money in creases!
This wonderful plan, without danger or loss,
Keeps your cash in your hands, where nothing can trouble it;
And every time that you fold it across,
'Tis as plain as the light of the day that you double it!
A selection of Epigrams for your enjoyment:
Blake's Apology for his Catalogue by William Blake
Epigram Iv: Circumstance, Percy Bysshe Shelley
An Epigram From Homer, William Cowper
Epigram On Rough Roads, Robert Burns
Fire and Ice, Robert Frost
Epigram Engraved On The Collar Of A Dog Which I Gave To His Royal Highness, Alexander Pope
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