Poems Shouldn’t Rhyme — a poem
“I’ll tell you all about what a poem can and can’t do…”

THERE is no worse crime than a poem with rhyme
How could I not see?
From this day on I will make no more
The ban has gone up, and that’s that
What good could come of a good rhyme?
The chatter around has been clear
It’s nothing, no, not a thing
Then let us concoct a punishment
For such despicable child’s play
The hearts will hollow upon the day ...
Oh, crap, that was a rhyme
YOU dirty thing, you — Ugh!
I leave those days behind
Beyond horizons lies the truth
That what has rhyme cannot be couth
Dang it! Have I rhymed again?
Curse all poem, lyric, and song
Curse this foul habit from within
I know it’s wrong so curse them all!
Words, page, and pen
Ahh — I skipped a line, but there it goes again!
YOU know what? I cannot help it
Rhymes seep out like sap on trees
Though my heart wants to fly on rhythm
Like hymns of birds or bees
Cut my knees, you might, if I can’t rhyme
Though I try, see, I tried
But no rhyme that leaves my brain or mouth
Can ever be denied
THERE’S no end and it won’t stop
Like rhymes of pop, soul, or hip hop
Where lyrics more creative than cartoon animators
Fall smoothly to my ears
So who cares if it’s uncouth?
Who cares that no one cares?
Just let your world flow out
And I’ll tell you all about
What a poem can and can’t do
TOO.
Thanks for reading. If you liked this, check out my other poems and stories, by NEBOH. If you want, also join my newsletter up top to receive new stories straight to email.
Much love & appreciation — Trystn
