Some epigrams

In an era that prefers free verse (especially lyric poems that seem casually conversational or mystically hushed), epigrams seem out of favor. Whether successful or not, poets want their epigrams to be refreshingly sharp, witty, carefully crafted, efficiently brief, and curiously insightful.

              Trump’s Congressional Choirboys

               Shallow talking points for their MAGA base,
               nothing deep there. Castratos can’t sing bass.

Published by Asses of Parnassus

Writing Workshop Guru

Writers led by an autocratic teacher
can’t sing solo, just choir to the preacher

Published by Write. Teach.

               An Eschatologist Stacking Firewood

               The slightest fall breeze is a whispered threat.
               Winter is here, though winter’s not here yet.

Published by Asses of Parnassus

On Sending a Poem to Richard Wilbur

A house cat mouths a limp grey mouse
to drop on the porch of the hunter’s house

Published in Plains Poetry Journal

               Beijing: The Museum of the Revolution
               is Closed For Renovation

               The top two floors reopen in three weeks,
               leased to entrepreneurs to sell antiques

Published by Asses of Parnassus

The Slots at Harrah’s Casino, New Orleans

To find the winner always spewing green
look for the losers’ ATM machine

Published by Asses of Parnassus

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