Tailgaters
Whose woods these are I think I know,
Which is why I think I better go.
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
All I can say is you’re hotter than May.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Scream and cry and beg for light.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
One for the nights. Two for the days.
Because I could not stop for Death—
He sent a snake to steal my breath.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Beastly creatures sat beside me, hissed my verse, and left me teary.
I ask them to take a poem,
Ball ‘em up and throw ‘em.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master—
All you have to do is race someone faster.
Earlier this week J. Patrick Lewis posted a poetry challenge on David Harrison’s blog. The challenge was to write a “tailgater,” a couplet that begins with the first line of a famous poem and ends with an original second line, in the same meter, which puts a quick end to the poem. The form would appear to take its name from the metaphorical slamming of the back gate of the pick-up truck before any more words can get in. A number of us found the challenge both fun and addictive.
For more Poetry Friday, please visit A Teaching Life at http://tmsteach.blogspot.com.
As you can see, I’ve moved to WordPress and reinstated the name my parents gave me. Thanks for following me over here and for bearing with me while I get used to my new home.
What a wonderful new look, Liz! I need to revamp my website, and you’re inspiring me here with this re-fresh. Happy housewarming in your new digs.
Fun couplets – I missed out on this challenge and will have to go check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Robyn.
It’s hard to move, but worth it, right?
Liz
Liz, you have mastered this form! I love your tailgaters, especially:
“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Scream and cry and beg for light.”
Funny! Thanks for sharing these delights. =)
Thanks, Bridget.
I highly recommend the form. They are fun but addictive. Worse than potato chips.
Liz
Liz, I wrote a few and really got into this! Love yours and the others on David’s blogsite. Fun and funny.
Thanks for putting all of yours together here!
I especially liked the one of yours that began with “Two roads…”
Some great ones here, Liz. “He sent a snake to steal my breath” is wonderfully creepy!
Lovely new blog home! Enjoyed reading your tailgaters, especially the first and last ones, which made me smile :).
I enjoyed your tailgaters. Nice new home. Enjoy.
Hi, Liz. What a fun form! I like “Whose woods these are” — reminds me of playing in the neighboring apple orchards as a kid.
Very fun! I especially liked your last tailgater. Your new blog home looks terrific!
Thanks, Everyone,
I think it’s fun that different people like different ones.
Liz
Some great ones, Liz! I saw all the ones that had been posted on David’s blog, but have been so busy I haven’t had time to even think of any! I think I liked your 1st and 3rd best….well done!
Liz – I saw your tailgaters on David’s blog but loved reading them here again! Also, love your revamp – Elizabeth Steinglass was a good way to go!
‘Whose woods…’ is hilarious. Thx!
So fun! I missed this challenge, but it’s probably a good thing…I think I wouldn’t have wanted to stop!!
I love the Dickinson one. These are so funny.