Eight Syllables That Set The Scene Poem by Denis Martindale

Eight syllables that set the scene... that's how I start to write...
When suddenly they intervene... regardless, day or night...
Yet mostly when I'm ready, too... computer set to go...
With Wordpad's program in plain view... so that new words can flow...

Eight syllables for my first line... and then a leap of faith...
Expecting things to turn out fine... the poem then to save...
For editing to play its role... enhancing here and there...
Towards the poem as a whole... the answer to my prayer...

Eight syllables not heard before... yet recognised each time...
A phrase I simply can't ignore... that's meant to lead to rhyme...
Such that the eloquence takes hold... transcending common thought...
Perchance as precious as pure gold... and worthy to report...

Eight syllables that stir the mind... as if to grant it wings...
To rise above and leave behind... to think of higher things...
Like hymns or psalms or greetings cards... like sonnets or free verse...
Like happy songs that bless our hearts... quotations to rehearse...

Eight syllables that bid me pause... new tales that I might tell...
Eight syllables that open doors... with you in mind as well...
Eight syllables that introduce... like signposts on my way...
Eight syllables I'm meant to use... that really make my day!


Denis Martindale September 2019.