by Jude H. (10th Grade)

Where once there was challenge
Now I am free
Free
Free
Free of the rhymings and timings of the old poets
For behold
I rhyme no more
And no longer am I restricted by the chains of meter
For behold
I meter no more
Once where there was order and law
And the pains of genius were upon me
I may now become wild
Free
Free
Once there was purpose and dignity!
IT IS DEAD
I AM NOT A CAPTIVE
I HAVE RISEN ABOVE THE RULES
I AM A POET
Who honestly isn’t trying very hard
Because rhyme and meter matter
Though it’s easier to scatter
Your words, it just looks shattered
Broken, not complete
It lacks the bones, the meat
It just looks dumb
However
If I’m being honest
It was fun to write.