HERDMASTER

Poke and prod
with cane and rod
use a whip if you must

Move those unsuspecting cattle
from pasture to pasture
trade one confinement for another

Keep the grass just green enough
to keep them happy
(a bit of sweet feed now and then to keep them docile)

They're too dumb to know the score
too placid to ask for more
not happy........not sad
they think themselves content

Drive them down the chute
open a gate (to them it's a choice)
look down on the lowly herd
going where they are directed
on their way to that booth
to vote

About This Poem

Last Few Words: realized it had been a while since I'd trod the unfamiliar free verse path

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: South Carolina, United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Frost, Burns, Longfellow, Poe, and Johnson. I guess you've noticed these are all past masters. Other than folks on site I don't read any contemporary poets .

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

Comments

Candlewitch

13 years 6 months ago

Dear Stan.

If this poem doesn't have dual meanings, I am out of my mind. I was very surprised by the ending lines:

on their way to that booth
to vote

You have inspired much unrest and thought in me with this piece. (which is a good thing)

as usual, your structure is great and your content interesting.
I have no suggestions for the work, just appreciation.

always, Cat

scribbler

13 years 6 months ago

hi Cat

Was watching the news the other night and it struck me how the media and all try to push us toward the "correct" candidate as if we are all cattle. Sorry about making you think and hope it doesn't result in a headache lol......stan

wesley snow

13 years 6 months ago

Damn Nursery Rhyme...

... is what it is! A lesson taught to children in a playful way. Will we learn? Of course not, but that's beside the point. A very "cool" poem. Put this in your book.
wesley

scribbler

13 years 6 months ago

Hi Wes

It Might be about right for a future book titled "not ready for prime time poetry" lol........stan