Homework WE 23/10/17 - The Talker

[Shelley Hansen]

An interesting set of prompts this week, Maureen - and quite a challenge to weave in the couple that are seemingly unrelated to the others! However, I know it amuses you when we come out of left field with our contributions, so here's mine ...

THE TALKER
(c) Shelley Hansen 5/10/17

I’ve got a friend who won’t shut up, and always wants to talk
through TV programs, concerts – or while striding on a walk.
I wonder where she gets the breath, the stamina to keep
her vocalising going. Does she do it in her sleep?

I’m dozing in the sunshine, soaking up a coastal scene
while in my ear, like tumbling rocks, the monologue has been
progressing for an hour until it lands like river scree -
a weight upon my senses which are straining to be free.

I try to stem the flow. I fail to answer, but it’s clear
that even when I interrupt, the talker doesn’t hear.
The content of the diatribe is like a complex play
with folk I’ve never met, and never want to, may I say.

I hear about the bogan from the bush who came to share
his country ways with city folk – and caused some trouble there.
She speculates on whether Cousin Jane will tie the knot
and whether Effie's operation fixed that “trouble spot”.

I feel like I’ve been trapped for half a lifetime at the least -
much more and it will soon be time to fix a midnight feast!
I feel like Elvis felt when that “night rider” came to town ...
'cos “I ain’t had no peace of mind”. I wish she’d just pipe down!

[Catherine Lee]

I can relate to this with a couple of people I know, Shelley - thanks for the smile!

[Maureen K Clifford]

Well done Shelley - a very innovative use of the prompts as well - Your poem reminds me of a co-worker I knew who we called Mrs Havachat - she didn't get a lot of work done but boy oh boy could she carry a conversation

[David Campbell]

Yep, I agree about the prompts, but you've got around them very neatly, Shelley...and, like Catherine, I know someone who does exactly that! "Like a complex play with folk I've never met" sums it up beautifully.

Cheers
David

[Shelley Hansen]

Thanks Maureen, Catherine and David!

At least I’ve succeeded in demonstrating that the fine art of doggerel is not dead!

Shelley

[Maureen K Clifford]

Never dead as long as poets have breath and own dogs