[ Short Shorts ] Because they said so

Dear JB,

I am always wondering when I submit a “poem” if it’s really a poem or a borderline rant on some bullsh*t subject I was upset by? I really appreciate this write and the context I’ve placed it in my mind. Mostly because I see you as a true poet and your offerings as poetic. H🌷

Awww, thank you, H.

I'll be Frank with you for a moment, not Johnny. There are plenty of ranters here. And anyone can rant. It's a minimal demonstration of talent, skill, effort, and creativity. You, on the other hand, are a gifted story teller who doesn't disappoint.

However, this bit o minimalism isn't meant to be taken as a criticism by anyone. And it will only be taken as such by those overly concerned with their self image.

Pretty sure those dirty letters you’ve been sending me ain’t poetry, big fella. xxx

On a serious note. There’s been some good bon mots along these lines, which your poem reminds me of, like this one from Oscar Wilde: “All bad poetry is sincere.” With the dollops of cheeky irony you put in everything, Johnny, I feel like that could be your motto.

What's a motto with you? Those were Christmas cookie recipes that I sent you . . .

High praise from the Turpinator. Thank you!

For me, poetry comes from the heart but is specially crafted, with lots of mistakes on the way.

Thank you, Lozz. It's great to hear from writers as passionate as yourself.

I once saw a soccer game on tv where the commentator said the goal scored (in a heartbreaking loss to the U.S. I might add) was so beautiful he called it a poem. It may have been a poem to the winning team, but as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Paper, computer screen, television screen, haiku on a dirty car window…poetry can be anywhere .

Nice spill sir.

Yep. Even in a bathroom stall, "For a good time, call ......" LOL!

Thank you, Wally!

Oooooooh fuck yeah. Throw down the gauntlet to flip the script on prose literalists. That’s some Johnny Blaze interrogation-conversation-as-revelation motif at work there. I dig your skill craft Johnny, even if I didn’t do it justice in that clunky explanation

Of course you did. I'd be highly disappointed if Loki said, "Cool poem." or "Great job." And I'd probably slap the shit out of you. Thanks a bunchly!