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Some people are born
with the wrong name
to the wrong parents
in the wrong home
in the wrong town.
Some people say
the wrong things
to the wrong people
at the wrong times
for the wrong reasons.
Some people see
the wrong things happen
to the wrong people
at the wrong time
for the wrong reasons.
Some people hear
the wrong things about
the wrong people
at the wrong time
in the wrong places.
Some people believe
in the wrong God
and the wrong prophet
in the wrong religion
with the wrong books.
The words come to me
from somewhere
(I don't know where)
and I write them down
right or wrong.
I've made my deal
with my destiny
sing my song
right or wrong
Hurrah.
My wife complains whenever I use too much repetition in a poem. She says it's lazy, and I should be able to come up with another way of saying it instead of saying the same thing again. Anyway, that's my wife; you have your own wife that you can count on to be your critic. You don't need my wife for that. And anyway, I have miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
ReplyDeleteOn first reading I thought this was a serious poem about being born at the wrong time in the wrong place (like, for example, anywhere in Europe in the 1930s). And it could be that. But on a second reading (with you doing the reading, which I love!), I'm sensing that this poem is funny. All the repetition is humorous. And maybe it's a poem for the shlemazels of the world. The "Hurrah" at the end (and in the title) seals the deal. Hurrahs are almost always ironic.
It could also be a poem about writing poetry. The words come to you; you record them. It's what it is; anyone who doesn't like it can take a hike. Anyone who doesn't like it can take a hike.
I completely agree with your wife. Usually. And she may be wrong or right. Or I may be wrong or right. Or we both may be wrong or right. And I think you are right (or wrong) too! But here’s a little secret. I had you in mind specifically with this one. Thought maybe you’d see something in the words that sounded familiar. I’m wonder if I should reveal it…
DeletePlease tell me!!!!
ReplyDeleteOH ... Bukowski???
ReplyDeleteAlmost. Your good buddy Bob. Some of it comes almost verbatim from an interview he gave in 2004. I riffed on it.
Delete