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New Poem by Todd Swift

It’s not a poem unless it’s seen

It’s not a machine if it’s home-grown.
It’s not a phone if it types by horse.
It’s not a hearse if you get out born.
It’s not a horn if it never blows.

It’s not a rose if it smells like glass.
It’s not a pass if you fail to kiss.
It’s not a miss if you hit it park-out.
It’s not a parka if it’s sprayed on.

It’s not a tan if you wash it off.
It’s not a cough if you want it to be.
It’s not a bee if it floats like a bag.
It’s not a nag if there’s no dream.

It’s not a scream if you smile.
It’s not a mile if seven leagues.
It’s not cigs if you’re running rings.
It’s not sings if it speaks.

It’s not weak if it is song.
It’s not wrong if you write it down.
It’s not clown if you can’t mime.
It’s not rhyme if you can’t recall.

It’s not small if it fits in your head.
It’s not dead if it stands up to pee.
It’s not me if you dream it instead.
It’s not lead if it’s gold in them hills.

It’s not pills if you don’t feel better.
It’s not a sweater if it’s a garter snake.
It’s not cake if there’s no ice cream.
It’s not a beam if there’s no mote.

It’s not a quote without fingers.
It’s not singers if it’s just faked.
It’s not a lake if there’s no lady.
It’s not shady if you start to blister.

It’s not sister if there’s no kid.
It’s not id if you forget your ego.
It’s not meagre if there’s plenty.
It’s not mentis without the compos.

It’s not piss without the taking.
It’s not making unless you’re breaking.
It’s not talking unless you listen.
It’s not glisten unless there’s light.

It’s not sight unless there’s Milton.


poem by Todd Swift
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Comments

Kiss My Art said…
Dear Todd

Very interesting poem. I enjoyed the subtle rhyme scheme and the plethora of images.

Best wishes from Simon
Tue Jan 18, 12:22:00 pm 2011
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