Sunday, 19 October 2008

elma mitchell

This Poem...

This poem is dangerous: it should not be left
Within the reach of children, or even of adults
Who might swallow it whole, with possibly
Undesirable side effects. If you come across
An unattended, unidentified poem
In a public place, do not attempt to tackle it
Yourself. Send it (preferably in a sealed container)
To the nearest centre of learning, where it will be rendered
Harmless by experts. Even the simplest poem
May destroy your immunity to human emotions.
All poems must carry a Government warning. Words
Can seriously affect your heart.

1 comment:

Mike said...

As one who has only been blessed by "finding" poetry since retirement 5 years ago, and found it to be life changing, may I be so bold as to venture that I think her poem "This Poem" shows a staggering understanding of what poetry (and I mean all kinds) means and indeed does to appreciative ordinary people (like me). It also sums up everything that the "Greats" have said about poetry over the centuries.