The assignment was to write a poem, and style or form, on Ecclesiastes 2:13 which reads:
Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.
There's probably a name for the form and style, but I don't know what it is.
There's probably a name for the form and style, but I don't know what it is.
Update: I have learned two things. One, this is called "light verse," and two--more amazing--it took First!
A WORD TO THE WISE
and otherwise
A solemn contemplation
of Ecclesiastes 2:13
A fool and
his money are soon to be parted,
so goes the
saying, but don’t get me started
with maxims
about a word to the wise
and the fool
who is wise in his own eyes…
Well, you see
how this goes, there’s no end to it.
When you
write poems or prose , you simply must do it.
Write using
wisdom and you can’t go wrong
as it’s hard
to sound foolish when writing a song
about smarts
that are smarter than the usual fool
who thinks
he’s so cool when he gets out of school.
Then there’s
the matter of darkness and light,
and poor dumb
old Adam who much prefers night
to consider
his deeds—while sensual not prurient—
are best done
in shadows in any event.
When your
house is a mess and company’s coming
you might
turn the lights low and keep the fan humming.
If your
unscheduled guest is inclined to get flirty,
he might be
discouraged if the house appears dirty.
But if he’s the
right kind of fellow he might
appreciate
reflections catching the light
from candles
strategically placed here and there,
highlighting
those amber glints in your hair.
Let’s just
cut this out and give up the fight:
Wisdom trumps
folly and dark dies in light.
