# Are You A Poet? Then Show It! 2-Electric Boogaloo **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** poetry\ **Created:** [April 25, 2023, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141 "2023-04-25T00:38:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/21 "2023-05-03T07:50:36Z")
Wrote this a few years ago for a City Giving Day event (City Giving Day is an annual appeal to people working in the City of London or the London financial sector in general, to encourage them to sign up to donate part of their paychecks to whatever charity their particular employer supports). It went over rather well. **An Appeal** A coin from your pocket, a moment or so, A click on a button or two - It’s only a trivial action, I know; But it’s really the least you can do. We’re not asking much and it’s simple enough: It’s a doddle to answer this call. We’ll even do all of the difficult stuff - You’ll hardly be bothered at all. Support for the children, aid for the poor - We’ll do this to show that you care. We’ll help raise awareness, search for a cure - You won’t need to move from your chair. To fix what is broken, raise up the low, To save the ones helpless and lost - We get it all done on a shoestring, and so You won’t even notice the cost. A shoulder to cry on, a mind to inspire - It’s part of the service we bring. A tiny donation is all we require - Would you please just consider the thing? A burden is lightened, an injury salved, A little is all that it takes - The least you can do is still more than they have And oh, what a difference it makes. ---
**Author:** ![xtenkfarpl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c2a13f/32.png) [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/22 "2023-05-03T12:14:26Z")
The complete works of Osbert Threnge: “Most poets have nothing to say. I don’t either so I’ll go away.” ---
**Author:** ![NinthAcolyte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ninthacolyte/32/13676_2.png) [@NinthAcolyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinthAcolyte)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/23 "2023-05-03T13:38:16Z")
“Closed” Sorry Ma’am, We’re closing up, The waitress left An hour ago And Bill’s shut down the grill. The oven’s cold, And we sold The last of the pie To a pretty girl with auburn hair. You can sit, though, If you like, But it’s not any warmer here Than it is out there. At least there isn’t Any wind Inside. There’s some coffee left. It’s cold, and Probably bitter, and Certainly stale, but It’s yours if you want it. No charge. I’ll fetch you a cup. Mind the chip in the mug. You alright, Ma’am? You look like you’ve come a long way. You look like you could use Something warm and A place to rest, but I have to lock up now. I’m sorry, Ma’am, I’m closed. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/24 "2023-05-03T16:44:44Z")
i followed shopworn jesus to the shrine upon the main he said I should endeavour to treat everyone the same ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2023, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/25 "2023-05-07T14:47:59Z")
Do not go gentle into that box store Rage, right?, against the dying of the core Built-up towns have forgot what downtown’s for (Less safe. And no free parking anymore.) ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2023, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/26 "2023-05-07T15:20:52Z")
I love pizza. And you. You might find that indelicate. Or a bit of a tease. Yes, you’re wonderful too. But I think it’s self-evident You’re not slathered in cheese. ---
**Author:** ![Blindmellowjelly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blindmellowjelly/32/13920_2.png) [@Blindmellowjelly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blindmellowjelly)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/27 "2023-05-08T04:29:59Z")
I like pizza youns, Mine is pepperoni, shrooms~ Dog hates the mushrooms. ---
**Author:** ![Blindmellowjelly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blindmellowjelly/32/13920_2.png) [@Blindmellowjelly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blindmellowjelly)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/28 "2023-05-08T04:41:32Z")
Spitting out mushrooms, Daisy is averse poison. Got stung by a bee. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/29 "2023-05-09T08:49:17Z")
_ **Liar** _ I should’ve kicked the tires Checked its teeth Stopped to consider But it was too good to miss I didn’t want to see How you’d scraped the truth here Painted bright promises there Glued a flimsy premise together with cheap hope And wiggled it all with hidden strings And so I bought it Stood it in the corner of the room And tell all my guests How wonderful it is And not to mind the bits falling off And the stain it’s left on the carpet “It’s all part of the charm, you know” ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/30 "2023-05-09T14:31:53Z")
(There are several Dopers who know where my moniker originated and whose picture is my avatar. These are the lyrics to a [children’s] song I wrote about my first dog – acquired at the tender age of 39.) **Burpo, The Wonder Mutt** **PJ** ’s her name, eating’s her game. Breakfast, lunch and dinner it is always the same: Forty-two seconds to bolt down her food. Sixty seconds later you will hear something rude. Chugs enough water to put out a fire! Gotta go spread it around the backyard. Though I just fed her, she says I’m a liar; She’s playing the “starving” card. Wolfing her treats; her favorite eats. Nosing through the pockets of whomever she meets. Backs a few paces away from her bowl To look me in the face; eructation her goal. Daily, this situation recurs. Usu’ly, she’s a quiet one, but, Pow, this transformation occurs: It’s Burpo, The Wonder Mutt! Can’t fly at all. Won’t fetch a ball. Her only speed for everything appears to be “stall.” Movies won’t be made of one as lazy as she. You won’t see her barking on your cable TV. Looks just like your ev’ryday cur. Won’t wear the tights, the cape or the cowl. The only time she’ll bother to stir: When her belly begins to growl. Her super sniffer never misses a meal. Her steely canines don’t know how to nibble. She might listen if you tell her to “Heel!” But, Oh, Heaven help you if you try to take the kibble From Burpo, The Wonder Mutt! I love that dog, though she eats like a hog. She’s no super hero, just a bump on a log. Her mighty tummy rumblings will knock you down flat. What kind of stupid super power is that? Is there anything that could silence this trend? Changing her diet does not make the cut. Hearing that racket from your own furry friend Might give you pause, but I’ll tell you what: There are many other noises that would tend to offend More than sounds from a collie’s gut. Yes, with luck I won’t be hearing from the opposite end Of Burpo, The Wonder Mutt! ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/31 "2023-05-14T17:19:43Z")
i ate all of the coffee cake that you left by the sink you were in bed, not yet awake and i was wet with drink perhaps i made a big mistake that’s what you seem to think it seemed so lonely sitting there forgive me my esurience i thought that you might want to share two slices of luxuriance will make it up to you - in prayer in pastry, or in prurience ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/32 "2023-05-14T17:26:49Z")
Nine years ago I managed to get two poems published in _Light_, a quarterly journal of light verse: - “[Firing the Fireman](https://lightpoetrymagazine.com/tristan-miller-winterspring-14/)” is a cavalcade of puns about losing one’s job. - “[Ichthyopoesis](https://lightpoetrymagazine.com/tristan-miller-winterspring-14/)” is a nonsense poem constructed almost entirely of fish names. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/33 "2023-05-14T20:56:51Z")
my phone is just at one percent i quickly try to write some verse before the battery is spent it isn’t good, but you’ve seen worse you’re such a ---
**Author:** ![TruePisces](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/truepisces/32/13628_2.png) [@TruePisces](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruePisces)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2023, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/34 "2023-05-15T04:08:56Z")
Formatting a poem With weird spacing can be a Real pain in the ass. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2023, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/35 "2023-05-15T09:34:18Z")
**SMS XOX** Roses are red Violets are blue 🍆 [eggplant emoji] 😉 [wink] 😃 [smiley face] 💩 [poo] ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2023, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/36 "2023-05-15T09:37:27Z")
**Horoscope for the End of the World** Today will be eventful. Nemesis is rising. A blood moon signifies change. Money will no longer be a worry. Venus and Saturn will collide; a family clash is inevitable. A stranger may seek to deceive. Expect tribulations. Avoid the seaside. Beware plague. Find love where you can. Quickly. There is no more. The stars now write themselves. You are free. ---
**Author:** ![Hoops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoops/32/6408_2.png) [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/37 "2023-05-16T19:53:59Z")
All that I now have would I gladly leave and pass it by I would my very life deny for soup. Soup is good food, 'tis said–and fain would I all soup in life retain yes, I’d relinquish all my gain for soup. My livelihood I would renounce for just one tittle, jot, or ounce my life’s for that which really counts: for soup. O liquid heat! O broth renowned! O Ramen noodle soup I’ve downed! I’d ship my puppy to the pound for soup. And when I die, let no one say that I repented or did pray for aught but one more final day for soup. For soup. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/38 "2023-05-16T21:40:56Z")
drunk upon your own reflection full of flippant misdirection lacking any introspection, you know what i mean everybody thinks it’s silly composing your classic chili you add flimflam willy-nilly, but do not add beans just because you come from texas don’t excuse your epiplexis spare me please your cold cathexis, you need the protein ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/39 "2023-05-16T21:46:44Z")
``` Autumn Years ``` Her house wasn’t home, it turns out. Picket fences and promises weren’t maintained. Harsh feelings have been piling up inside her like drifts of careless snow. No more lacing children’s boots, the sun bright path calls and volition beckons. With a searing heart of discontent and autumn at the gate, she wistfully turns from winter. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141/40 "2023-05-16T22:04:08Z")
talker talker braying _bruit_ in the fairest _de la nuit_ what immodest bland and dry shares same your cheerful bigotry? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-poet-then-show-it-2-electric-boogaloo/983141.md?page=3)