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The Death Of Callimachus---A Poem That Features The Lurking, Shambling Do-Does-Did
Callimachus died just yesterday.
And that scholar did have a way
with words, he did make them obey
his every and poetic whim;
gosh I wish that I could write like him.
He thought Homer's works were just too big;
that Poetry should be a sip not a swig.
The books in the Library were Pharaoh's collection;
but Callimachus turned it from an epic direction.
A long poem is a headache, he did say
(and I did say that to give the rhyme a connection).
But how long is long---that area is gray;
but we cannot ask Callimachus, for he did pass away.
And this fact about him most hotly annoys
me---he had a penchant for pretty, teenaged boys.
Starward
A wry and entertaining
A wry and entertaining instructional example of disastrous composition that only a true, knowledgeable poet can get away with posting. Cautionary examples in your sardonic parody are: The "Lurking, Shambling Do-Does-Did"; a cliche, forced rhymes, half rhymes and some assorted, playful awkwardness.
Now for an on-the-level comment on your satirical poem: Callimachus is not dead. His legacy lives on in your own scholarly discernment and appreciation of poetry, and I am fully convinced that you too hold sway over words like the legendary Callimachus.
A fun piece. Enjoyed!
Thank you. This was a
Thank you. This was a tongue-in-cheek kind of poem, and I am glad you have seen what I was actually trying to do. I once read (so many years ago that I have forgotten the source) that most comedies that are staged are based upon misunderstanding; and that a good many tragedies are, as well. (Now I remember: I think it was in the director Martin Browne's excellent book on the making of T. S. Eliot's plays.) And I attempted to build this poem, and one that preceded it on the death of Vergil, upon the crassest type of misunderstanding.
And I thank you, most sincerely and humbly, for the Callimachean compliment.
Starward
You pulled it off in a way
You pulled it off in a way very few poets could. Great stuff!