I couldn't believe my good fortune. In the current issue of O magazine, which carries a large poetry section for poetry month, I happened on what was certainly not intended to be a poem, but which works better than anything floating in my mind today. One of the questions asked of the poets in the next pages is "Where does poetry come from?" Here's one answer. A toast to found poetry!
My hardest battles
(found poem, from April 2011 O magazine, pg 132)
i.
It doesn’t take me long to shake off a bad mood.
In general, I try not to set my hopes too high so I won’t be disappointed.
ii.
I can be comfortable with nearly all kinds of people.
I believe in saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way."
iii.
I think it’s hard to get ahead without cutting corners here and there.
I expect that I will achieve most of my life goals.
iv.
I try to make light of my problems when possible.
I go out of my way to flatter important people.
v.
Before an interview, I am usually confident it will go well.
In my opinion, honesty is always the best policy.
vi.
When I make a decision on my own, it’s usually a poor one.
I have a tendency to make mountains out of molehills.
vii.
If I had to choose between happiness and greatness, I’d choose greatness.
I’m afraid the future of mankind doesn’t look too bright.
viii.
When the weatherman predicts a 50 percent chance of rain, I expect rain.
My hardest battles are with myself.
Photo by mattymatt, Matt Baume, via Flickr.
