Can an Average "Dave" Write a Poem?

One day this summer while we were back east and staying at the yellow house with the wide front porch, David and I got onto the topic of poetry. He told me that anyone can write a poem with just a little bit of effort. I looked at him skeptically. I mean, really, a Double E write a poem? No way. To prove his point, he showed up at Grace's birthday celebration with the following collaborative effort.

Ode to Grace

by Uncle Dave and Aunt Jes

with a little help from Rachel

Happy Birthday from the Kreitzers

To our niece and cousin Grace

She's quite a little dynamo

And here we'll make our case

This year our family missed

The traditional fourth of July race

But we heard about her spectacular run

Where she set a wicked pace

Leading all the other kids

on a merry chase

And earned herself a special trophy

For coming in first place

We enjoyed all her plays this summer

Especially at our place

Where her noises in "The Sleepover"

Showed she could replace

Wilbur or Petunia Pig (not that they need a replacement)

But just in case

If she played cards

She'd have quite a poker face

If she played World of Warcraft

She'd probably wield a mace

When she married Mr. Zack

We think she dressed in lace

If it were a real wedding

We would have given her a vase

Out at Grandma and Paka's pool

She's a backflipping ace

And in our beach kickball game

She played a mean second base

When it comes time to say goodbye

It's clear she needs her space

She always tries to get away

From Uncle Dave's embrace

Hopefully we'll see her soon

Christmas at worst case

We'll surely miss her sparkling presence

Happy Birthday Grace!!

Wow--I never knew there were so many words that rhymed with Grace. However, despite the laughs this effort gave us, I can't credit David with completely proving his point. First, he is pretty far above average so the fact that he was able to complete the task does not in any way prove that your "average Joe" could do it. Second, he enlisted the help of both Jes and his daughter Rachel who definitely has a bit of the poet in her. No wonder he got the job done.

In an honest aside though, I have to admit that I agree with David (still, being his big sis' it is my forever job to heckle him). I do believe that anyone can write a poem. Of course, the definition is so broad, you can write almost anything and call it a poem. The question is who can write good poetry. For that, I think there are the necessary ingredients of natural talent, discipline and of course, a poet's heart. Does David have what it takes? Only time will tell. I am waiting for his next work entitled, "Ode to Big Sisters".

And, speaking of big sisters--my "big sister" charm may have been the first one I chose for my charm bracelet. It is a role I love and have always taken seriously. I am fortunate to have the siblings I do. They are all great in their own way.

The page above with the photos of little David and Alice is from the book Jes made me for my fortieth. It went with a very cool video she and David put together.