You're Entitled To An Answer! Poem by Denis Martindale

You're entitled to an answer
For poem titles thought,
Some can and yet some can't, sir,
To do the thing they ought...
Some start off with an idea
A dream or theme has wrought
And that first line is oh, so near,
It's like it's almost caught!

But titles then get in the way,
So that first line gets stalled,
In pondering how to relay
How best the poem's called...
It isn't even written yet,
So sudden doubt has galled,
No wonder poets start to fret,
No wonder they're appalled...

Alliterations help me out,
They've proved my faithful friends,
They match what poetry's about,
The wonder never ends...
A little here, a little there,
Such joy each comprehends,
They make most readers stop and stare,
I guess it all depends...

Sometimes I use a Bible quote,
A proverb or a psalm,
A fiery phrase so folks take note
And yet not cause alarm,
But rather kindle memories
Alive with wit and charm
And so much so, they tend to please,
For rarely would they harm...

Then there's a catchphrase from TV,
Like something someone said,
From real life or from fantasy,
Or from some book I've read...
Or gentle pun that brings a smile,
Or mixed-up words instead...
Whatever adds some extra style...
Or pops into my head!


Denis Martindale June 2016.