Games
Girls play on the sidewalk, hopscotch,
tossing, hopping, keeping time
from windows their mamas watch
scaring off boys with that thing on their minds.
Tossing, hopping, keeping time
they know the score, not so innocent
scaring off boys with that thing on their minds
learning their power, their hold over men.
They know the score, not so innocent,
the growing bloom, night into day
learning their power, their hold over men,
subtle smiles, their eyes betray.
The growing bloom, night into day,
from windows their mamas watch,
subtle smiles, their eyes betray,
girls play on the sidewalk, hopscotch.
15 thoughts on "Games"
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Love that you are doing the formal thing. ” that thing on their minds ”
sticks. The urban rhythm works with this. Craft!
Yes!! This!
I like the repeated lines like a villanelle but I also like that you’ve gone your own way here. Structure is made to be disrupted! Children’s games and mother’s watching are a great subject to be repeated. There’s a continual rhythm!
Nice one!
Beautiful form. Great job. This poem shows off your skill.
Tale as old as time. This one feels like acceptance.
smooth, timeless poem here, about time.
Bill, you are so clever with the growth of the repetitive lines throughout. I love reading your poetry.
Always thought provoking with parallels and beautiful imagery!!
Just to be clear, the form is not of my invention. It’s a Pantoum — https://classicalpoets.org/2016/09/how-to-write-a-pantoum-with-example/
It feels so much like a villanelle. I need to write a pantoum. I’ve always had a hard time trying to write one. I couldn’t even recognize one when it was right next to me!
They’re so similar! It’s been fun experimenting with the form, seeing what works and what doesn’t.
The use of the form mirrors the cycle of life and of a generational watchfulness–I love it.
I like that it’s not completely clear whose minds “that thing” is on- the boys’ or the girls’.
Love this play between innocence and seduction!
I really enjoyed reading this poem Bill. It has a hypnotic quality to it.