Henny Penny Speaks to America (tweaked w/thx Merle), ABAB w/alternating hep/pent lines Options

[Mary Boren]

A tally of predicaments could wrap around the block.
The kids need shoes; the bill collector's calling.
Politisquabbles dominate the news at 6 o'clock.
Relax, the sky is probably not falling.

The pundits paint a bleak scenario. Predictions seem
convincing in their repetitious drumming,
but to the watchers waking from a bad collective dream,
one thing alone is certain: Change is coming.

More likely what we're feeling is a planetary jerk
produced by waves of panic. But, believe it
or not, a proven principle is steadily at work:
The world's as good or bad as you perceive it.

So when you're pecking for a meal on ground that's parched and hard,
and hear the sound of thunderclouds advancing,
take heart. Don't blindly string along with chickens from the yard
to hunker in the coop. Look up! Start dancing!

Perhaps the slurpy spectacle as optimists cavort
in mud could set a brighter course. Thank heaven
our future's not determined by the 6 o'clock report.
"America's Got Talent" airs at seven.

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originally ...
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An index of catastrophes could wrap around the block.
You're jobless, and the bill collector's calling.

[merle]

First of all a big 'Thank you' to Leo for the explanation and examples. Not only did I not know what Tetrameter and Pentameter were but I thought feet were something you merely covered with socks and shoes. Please be patient with me.

On to the poem...

Mary - Obviously you have studied poetry for quite some time and I get the feeling your structure is usually flawless so I won't/can't comment on it. As far as the content of your poem, I have a love/hate relationship going on depending on which end of the telescope I'm looking through. I love it if it's directed at people who have remained relatively unscathed by the economic downturn. By all means, I wish they would stop their grumbling and indulge in empty entertainment. At the other end of the spectrum I can't help but think of the thousands who have lost their jobs, homes, savings, and health coverage. For them the sky is not falling but has already fallen and shattered around their feet. Yes, yes, I know you don't mean to come across that way but on a certain level this hits a sour note, one of social and emotional detachment. On the plus side you've really hit a nerve with me and isn't that what good writing is all about?