Illustration from Hansel and Gretel, by Rackham‘Dirge of the Dimwits’ and Other Poetry by Susan Jarvis Bryant The Society September 10, 2023 Poetry, Satire 39 Comments . Dirge of the Dimwits “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. We’ve reached the point of no return. __We hurtled way off track. We watched the mocking clock hands spurn __Our plea to wind on back To days before the eerie roar From something scary at our door. The drooling ghouls of gory claw __Came poised to pierce and hack The precious flesh of cherished spawn. We should have tossed them off our lawn. Instead, we let the monsters in __And swallowed all they said. We let them raid the biscuit tin __And sneak beneath the bed To spike our sleeping darlings’ dreams With razor fangs and banshee screams Till hope was torn at gnawed-on seams __And life was rife with dread. We leapt to every loony tune The devils crooned beneath the moon… Unbridled imbeciles beguiled __By every swindling beast, We let these ugly thugs run wild, __We let these creatures feast On innocents. They braised the brains Of tender kids with growing pains. They drained the vim from zesty veins, __And yet we never ceased To trust our children to their whim Until they tore them limb from limb. And now we weep knee-deep in grief __As memories seep and flow In searing tears of disbelief __Oh my! Oh why? How so? Woeful dodos; doleful ducks (Now well aware that dumbness sucks) All flapping in a frightful flux __With nowhere else to go… We’ve reached the point of no return Where those who feed the daemons burn. . . Mitigating Circumstances a rondel His head is a circus. A clown’s on the loose With custard pies ready to smear a smug face. Trapeze artists swing in red leather and lace. A tutu-clad pig pirouettes with a goose. A tawny-tailed lion with wild eyes of puce Is roaring and clawing and aching to pace. His head is a circus. A clown’s on the loose With custard pies ready to smear a smug face. A ringmaster’s spewing a slew of abuse. His tongue’s come undone. It’s beginning to race In bursts of bleep-blue in a sea of disgrace. Your Honor, forgive him. He has an excuse— His head is a circus. A clown’s on the loose. Previously published in Snakeskin . . The Splendor of Socks I do not give a nibbled fig, __A bucking-bullock’s toss, An elf owl’s hoot, a pixie’s jig, __A dippy hippo’s dross, A Casanova’s roving eye, __A portly warthog’s waddle, A braying ass’s rasping cry __For blowhards blasting twaddle. I do not give a rubber duck, __A box of poxy frogs, A plucky chicken’s lick of luck, __A podgy jogger’s clogs, A loafing gopher’s oafish fit, __A boozer’s crimson snitch, A feckless speck, a witless whit __For twits that itch to bitch. I do not give a donkey’s conk, __An armadillo’s armour, A dandy gander’s randy honk, __A barmy llama’s karma, A flirty turtle’s fancy shell, __A chipper puppy’s yap, A howler monkey’s yell from hell __For cretins spouting crap. I yearn to hear a word of cheer, __A joke that stokes a grin, A ditty from a balladeer __To ring beyond the din Of cakeholes keen to caterwaul __And shock around the clock. I’m set to lob all gobs that bawl __A bunkum-blocking sock. Previously published in Snakeskin . . Susan Jarvis Bryant has poetry published on Lighten Up Online, Snakeskin, Light, Sparks of Calliope, and Expansive Poetry Online. She also has poetry published in TRINACRIA, Beth Houston’s Extreme Formal Poems anthology, and in Openings (anthologies of poems by Open University Poets in the UK). Susan is the winner of the 2020 International SCP Poetry Competition, and has been nominated for the 2022 Pushcart Prize. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 39 Responses David John Etchell September 10, 2023 more delightful gems Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Dave, thank you very much indeed! It’s always great to see you here. I’m hoping you’ll join us and introduce everyone to your superb sonnets. Reply Joseph S. Salemi September 10, 2023 Three fine pieces! “The Splendor of Socks” immediately calls to mind another native poet from Kent — the late John Whitworth. This is very much in the manner of his creation of a whimsical cornucopia of strange linkages. But I also think that the poem was prompted by some recent discussion at a thread here touching on the phrases “to not give a damn,” or “to not give a monkey’s.” Susan has conjured up a pile of new variants! “Dirge of the Dimwits” is sad, and also a form of necessary self-criticism for those of us on the conservative or rightist side of the political spectrum. We were too stupid or lazy to perceive what the left had in mind, and we therefore allowed them to get away with the horrendous insanity that they are imposing on much of the world right now. It’s time that we ceased being friendly compromisers and pietists and peacemakers, always trying to think the best of the opposition. “Mitigating Circumstances” might even be taken as an illustration of what I have just said. It’s a comic picture of what’s going on inside the mind of a leftist: clownish insanity in a three-ring circus of imbecilic ideas. And yet too many of us are constantly asking forgiveness for him, and coming up with excuses for his behavior. Reply Sally Cook September 10, 2023 Joe, I too thought of Whitworth, especially the one about socks ! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Joe, thank you so very much. I am especially thrilled that my sock poem brought to mind the wonderful John Whitworth. I am ashamed to say, I hadn’t heard of him before Sally made a comparison a few years ago. I immediately sought him out, and I fell in love with his work. I also bought ‘Girlie Gangs’ – a book you recommended. Whitworth is a poet after my own heart. Perhaps it’s something to do with the Kentish water. You are spot-on with the inspiration for my poem… although, the term that made me pick up my pen was ‘swiving hump’… “I couldn’t give a swiving hump” creased me with laughter, and I thought YES! I could most certainly do something with that thought in mind, and ‘The Splendor of Socks’ is the result. This site provides me with no end of inspiration. I was compelled to write ‘Dirge of the Dimwits’ after listening to the comments on my recent poem ‘Brink’. Some said we had gone beyond the brink and my poem was outdated. It’s for all those who have turned a blind eye to or swallowed the evil ideologies of the “new normal”… you’ve certainly picked up on where I’ve gone with this. And ‘Mitigating Circumstances’ is a peep into the sort of head you mention… and those darn excuses for ill behavior. I know many are sick and tired of them… so I thought I’d look at this insanity from a new angle. What fun I had! I’m thrilled you enjoyed them. Reply Alena Casey September 10, 2023 Your wordplay is always a delight, Susan! I particularly liked The Splendor of Socks. You’ve conjured up a whole string of exclamations even more satisfying to say than the original phrase. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Alena, I’m over the moon you enjoyed this one. It’s my favorite of the three, and I had a blast writing it. They say a comedian should never laugh at his own jokes… I hope that doesn’t apply to poets… I was laughing out loud as I composed this one. Reply Paul A. Freeman September 10, 2023 ‘A joke that stokes a grin.’ – As requested – even though it’s a limerick: School Closure Limerick My school isn’t built using Raac; Even so, we are not going back. For in every room, I’ve sealed its doom By drawing a ten-foot-long crack. Thanks for the reads, Susan. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Thank you, Paul. I like a joke and the limerick form is an excellent medium for maximum effect… I am grinning. Reply Mark Stellinga September 10, 2023 Susan, it is now officially confirmed – it IS possible for a person to be both depressed and uplifted by the same work of verse. So much *Truth* in such a disconcerting message. Maybe this is how – “I laughed — until I cried” originated? Loved all 3…you’re definitely unique – 🙂 Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Mark, I love your comment… what a great way to describe the effect of my whacky way at looking at the wicked world we’re in. Now if I can have you crying until you laugh, that would make me feel a lot better. As for being “unique” – I have a feeling that’s a polite way of saying I’m completely out of my tree… you’re right! 🙂 Reply Mark Stellinga September 11, 2023 You definitely are, young lady, and PLEASE – never climb back onto that tree! Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Mark, never!… I’m beyond the point of no return! 😉 Rohini September 10, 2023 Laugh-out-Loud brilliant with that dark underside. Your poetry always surprises me. Thank you. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Rohini, I am glad I surprised you… that was my aim, and it thrills me to hear I hit the bullseye… the fact that you were laughing makes it all the better. Thank you very much indeed! Reply Sally Cook September 10, 2023 Oh, Susan, these are wonderful, especially the little scene where a pig in a tutu consorts with a goose! Am I wrong, or have you been influenced by one John Whitworth? How much I admire him and feel sure he is either dancing a jig in Heaven, or doing an inter-dimensional jig on your vocabulary as we speak ! These are all wonderful poems, but “The Splendor Of Socks” takes the fruitcake” And I must ask — are any of these oafish oaths of Cockney origin? PS – And what’s a donkey’s wonk or have I got it wrong? It is difficult to read when your sides are shaking. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Dear Sally, I’m over the moon to have entertained you with this bold and banal trio of poems. I happen to love Whitworth, and yes, I may have been unwittingly influenced by him. I am particularly thrilled you loved the pig and the goose… I thought of you when I mentioned the goose and thought you might be tickled by that image. My father and grandfather taught me to speak in cockney rhyming slang as a child and I had huge fun with it, but there isn’t any in the poem. As for the donkey’s conk – it’s a British word for nose… it slotted in perfectly and made me laugh. I’m glad my laughter is contagious… we could all do with a little light relief. Sally, thank you!! Reply David Hollywood September 10, 2023 This is wonderfully symbolic and abstract poetry requiring a number of readings as they parade around in my mind with great challenges to my comprehension; like new layers upon layers being discovered each time. Many thanks Susan for such liberatingly descriptive poetry. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 David, thank you very much for your comment. The first two poems are written with an air of mystery and oddness about them… by design. My main aim was to make you smile. I hope I succeeded. Reply C.B. Anderson September 10, 2023 If you keep this up, Susan, I might have to report you to the Department of Homeland Security. The truth, or anything that smacks of it is strictly forbidden. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Oh dear, C.B., I think you may have to join the end of a long queue. I did try very hard to disguise the truth in these ones… It is becoming increasingly obvious I failed miserably. Reply Margaret Coats September 10, 2023 One of my friends says she lost two children while wearing pants and watching daytime television. She changed her wardrobe and started homeschooling. Life can still be a frightful flux but there’s no need to face it as dimwits! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 The entire purpose of my poem in a nutshell, Margaret. Keep the monsters at bay or you will pay! A stark warning indeed. Reply Roy Eugene Peterson September 11, 2023 That was a great quote that fit all the clowns in your three poems. The sincerity of the messages shines through the delicious humor served up with alliteration and elan in chilling, yet comical verse. We have indeed “hurtled way off track.” Those parents who have neglected discipline and teaching their children at home respect, among other things, while ignoring what they are learning on the boob tube in school have brought us to the brink of disaster while the demons and ghouls pervert and convert their minds. I must say with all the epithets ensconced in “The Splendor of Socks,” has greatly expanded my phraseology with some pet sayings that I cherish. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Roy, thank you very much for your wonderful comment. I like to serve a plate of serious with a sprinkling of sunshine topped with a smile in a sort of spoonful-of-sugar way. The world is harsh enough without my poetry adding to the angst. I’m hoping there’s going to be a huge surge in the sale of socks now my poem’s out there… the world needs more socks! Reply Brian A. Yapko September 11, 2023 A trio of rolicking, biting poems, Susan, which are a pleasure to read and analyze. “The Dirge of the Dimwits” is full of amazing, tongue-twisting language and monstrous imagery which almost suits it for Halloween – from the eerie roar to the litany of abominable nasties from ghouls to banshees to vampires to daemons – and yet this is not a Halloween poem. This is a poem about the way our society now treats our children – particularly when it comes to misdiagnosing and then permanently injuring children “to affirm their gender identity” when, in fact, they are : a) gay; b) confused; c) play-acting; d) people-pleasing, etc, etc ad infinitum. Your use of monster images actually allows us to get into the mind of a child terrified by what may lie hidden under the bed or waiting to pounce from the attic. It is painful to contemplate this. It is even more painful to contemplate the fact that all it took was parental boundaries and a willingness to exercise adult duties to prevent this epidemic of dysfunction, and far too many of us failed to step up. Perhaps we’re not responsible for letting the monsters out, but we could have done more to put them back. Never again. As you know, Susan, I suffer from coulrophobia and so “Mitigating Circumstances” is the stuff of nightmares. It is also hilarious and full of entertaining, fascinating and unnerving images. There’s something almost hallucinatory about this poem which causes me to look at our modern world, our modern leaders, and to see them through the warped distortions of a fun house mirror. This reminds me of Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” The conceit of this poem is as peculiar as the title: This defendant deserves leniency because – poor man – he’s a clown. Well, it’s a good thing our legal system doesn’t actually work that way. Too bad our political system does. “The Splendor of Socks” is a dizzying kaleidoscope of images, word-play, poetic devices and cheeky humor. I can picture you rolling on the floor in laughter as you wrote this. There is no possibility of writing words like “A portly warthog’s waddle” or “A barmy llama’s karma” while keeping a straight face. And to read these out loud is a toothsome, chewy pleasure. Well done, all three! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Brian, you understand my poetry at a level that fills my heart with hope. Our children need us more than ever now, and any God-given gift we have to draw attention to their plight is a blow for those who want to sweep the evil under the carpet in order to continue their monstrous aim… and that aim is not for the good of our children, it’s to line their pockets with ill-gotten gains. I know you’re with me on that front. You have done so much to highlight the brutality, and I thank you for your example. There are no mitigating circumstances. All those with heads full of destructive clowns should be accountable for their bleep-blue deeds, and socks should be the necessary fashion accessory. Brian, thank you very much for your support, your encouragement, and your inspiration. Your latest poem is must read: https://classicalpoets.org/2023/09/04/on-the-existence-of-two-genders-a-poem-by-brian-yapko/ Reply Mia September 11, 2023 Dear Susan, I have taken your yearning for words of cheer literally because I feel the pain. I say, I say what did the right eye say to the left eye don’t know what did it say? between you and me something smells I say, I say what did the pirate say when he turned 80 Aye Matey excuse these, I didn’t even make them up myself.. Your poems just encapsulate what I think but ne’er so well express. Reply Mia September 11, 2023 Oh dear, compared to what you have given us this does fall a bit flat, to say the least Anyway Susan I know you have a sense of humour. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Mia, I do have a sense of humour, and I am thrilled you do too… for me, it’s survival. A giggle with a good friend is the greatest gift life has offered me. Laughter really is a universal language… one we all understand and should indulge in more often. Mia, you’re a shining, smiling gem in a dark and dour world. Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Mia, you have most certainly given me a chuckle… and I feel all the better for it. I especially like octogenarian pirate! Thank you very much indeed! Reply Norma Pain September 11, 2023 I enjoyed these three poems so much Susan. In “The Splendor of Socks”, I love it when you say, “I do not give a nibbled fig”, etc. etc. Reading it over and over gave my tongue a good workout. I knew this was going to be one of my favorite, along with all of the other favorite poems of yours. These are so much fun and so very cleverly done. Thank you for the giggles. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Norma, how lovely to hear from you. I hope you’re mending nicely… and thank you very much for your comment. I loved writing the socks poem. I am coming to learn that there is more to socks than meets the eye and I’m stocking up on socks at an alarming rate! Norma, thank you! Reply Yael September 11, 2023 All three poems are highly entertaining and enjoyable, on so many levels. There’s the fairy tale and nursery rhyme aspect, the current Zeitgeist commentary, the poetic mastery, the word plays and alliterations, and the intriguing story lines. I love it, great job! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Yael, I know you have a discerning palate when it comes to poetry, so your glorious comment has me grinning from ear to ear. Thank you very much indeed! Reply Joshua C. Frank September 13, 2023 Susan, these are all great, but I’m especially moved by the first one. It’s so true. Western civilization is dead, pure and simple, and replaced by a culture of pure evil, appropriating the name of Western culture, that I wish would hurry up and die. I’d comment more, but I’d end up getting too emotional. Instead, I’ll let Joe Vasicek do the talking for me, for those who haven’t read this link before: https://www.onelowerlight.com/writing/a-crippling-realization/ Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant September 14, 2023 Josh, thank you very much for your appreciative comment. Please know that Western civilization isn’t dead. It lives on in the hearts, souls, and consciences of many. We have a place here at the SCP where we can stand up and speak out for those who respect the foundations of our culture. I am certain that throughout history many have been despondent; many have thought they had lost to the army of evil – yet here we are. Many who were persecuted in the past went on to have families and to build a life… my son is doing that now in the face of the world’s horrors… and my granddaughter needs to know that her elders haven’t given up. The world is cruel. The truth makes it better. And we must never give up on telling it with whatever gift we have to get heard. Josh – you are on the winning side! Keep writing and smiling! Reply Mike Bryant September 14, 2023 Josh, along this line, Luke 8 is well worth a close reading. Joshua C. Frank September 15, 2023 Rather than go into a long, convoluted argument, I would rather just say that the more I learn about today’s world, the less hope I have for the future. The ship has already sunk, and I write my poems to get people into available spaces on lifeboats. The existence of lifeboats doesn’t mean the ship hasn’t sunk. Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Dave, thank you very much indeed! It’s always great to see you here. I’m hoping you’ll join us and introduce everyone to your superb sonnets. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi September 10, 2023 Three fine pieces! “The Splendor of Socks” immediately calls to mind another native poet from Kent — the late John Whitworth. This is very much in the manner of his creation of a whimsical cornucopia of strange linkages. But I also think that the poem was prompted by some recent discussion at a thread here touching on the phrases “to not give a damn,” or “to not give a monkey’s.” Susan has conjured up a pile of new variants! “Dirge of the Dimwits” is sad, and also a form of necessary self-criticism for those of us on the conservative or rightist side of the political spectrum. We were too stupid or lazy to perceive what the left had in mind, and we therefore allowed them to get away with the horrendous insanity that they are imposing on much of the world right now. It’s time that we ceased being friendly compromisers and pietists and peacemakers, always trying to think the best of the opposition. “Mitigating Circumstances” might even be taken as an illustration of what I have just said. It’s a comic picture of what’s going on inside the mind of a leftist: clownish insanity in a three-ring circus of imbecilic ideas. And yet too many of us are constantly asking forgiveness for him, and coming up with excuses for his behavior. Reply
Sally Cook September 10, 2023 Joe, I too thought of Whitworth, especially the one about socks ! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Joe, thank you so very much. I am especially thrilled that my sock poem brought to mind the wonderful John Whitworth. I am ashamed to say, I hadn’t heard of him before Sally made a comparison a few years ago. I immediately sought him out, and I fell in love with his work. I also bought ‘Girlie Gangs’ – a book you recommended. Whitworth is a poet after my own heart. Perhaps it’s something to do with the Kentish water. You are spot-on with the inspiration for my poem… although, the term that made me pick up my pen was ‘swiving hump’… “I couldn’t give a swiving hump” creased me with laughter, and I thought YES! I could most certainly do something with that thought in mind, and ‘The Splendor of Socks’ is the result. This site provides me with no end of inspiration. I was compelled to write ‘Dirge of the Dimwits’ after listening to the comments on my recent poem ‘Brink’. Some said we had gone beyond the brink and my poem was outdated. It’s for all those who have turned a blind eye to or swallowed the evil ideologies of the “new normal”… you’ve certainly picked up on where I’ve gone with this. And ‘Mitigating Circumstances’ is a peep into the sort of head you mention… and those darn excuses for ill behavior. I know many are sick and tired of them… so I thought I’d look at this insanity from a new angle. What fun I had! I’m thrilled you enjoyed them. Reply
Alena Casey September 10, 2023 Your wordplay is always a delight, Susan! I particularly liked The Splendor of Socks. You’ve conjured up a whole string of exclamations even more satisfying to say than the original phrase. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Alena, I’m over the moon you enjoyed this one. It’s my favorite of the three, and I had a blast writing it. They say a comedian should never laugh at his own jokes… I hope that doesn’t apply to poets… I was laughing out loud as I composed this one. Reply
Paul A. Freeman September 10, 2023 ‘A joke that stokes a grin.’ – As requested – even though it’s a limerick: School Closure Limerick My school isn’t built using Raac; Even so, we are not going back. For in every room, I’ve sealed its doom By drawing a ten-foot-long crack. Thanks for the reads, Susan. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Thank you, Paul. I like a joke and the limerick form is an excellent medium for maximum effect… I am grinning. Reply
Mark Stellinga September 10, 2023 Susan, it is now officially confirmed – it IS possible for a person to be both depressed and uplifted by the same work of verse. So much *Truth* in such a disconcerting message. Maybe this is how – “I laughed — until I cried” originated? Loved all 3…you’re definitely unique – 🙂 Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Mark, I love your comment… what a great way to describe the effect of my whacky way at looking at the wicked world we’re in. Now if I can have you crying until you laugh, that would make me feel a lot better. As for being “unique” – I have a feeling that’s a polite way of saying I’m completely out of my tree… you’re right! 🙂 Reply
Mark Stellinga September 11, 2023 You definitely are, young lady, and PLEASE – never climb back onto that tree!
Rohini September 10, 2023 Laugh-out-Loud brilliant with that dark underside. Your poetry always surprises me. Thank you. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Rohini, I am glad I surprised you… that was my aim, and it thrills me to hear I hit the bullseye… the fact that you were laughing makes it all the better. Thank you very much indeed! Reply
Sally Cook September 10, 2023 Oh, Susan, these are wonderful, especially the little scene where a pig in a tutu consorts with a goose! Am I wrong, or have you been influenced by one John Whitworth? How much I admire him and feel sure he is either dancing a jig in Heaven, or doing an inter-dimensional jig on your vocabulary as we speak ! These are all wonderful poems, but “The Splendor Of Socks” takes the fruitcake” And I must ask — are any of these oafish oaths of Cockney origin? PS – And what’s a donkey’s wonk or have I got it wrong? It is difficult to read when your sides are shaking. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Dear Sally, I’m over the moon to have entertained you with this bold and banal trio of poems. I happen to love Whitworth, and yes, I may have been unwittingly influenced by him. I am particularly thrilled you loved the pig and the goose… I thought of you when I mentioned the goose and thought you might be tickled by that image. My father and grandfather taught me to speak in cockney rhyming slang as a child and I had huge fun with it, but there isn’t any in the poem. As for the donkey’s conk – it’s a British word for nose… it slotted in perfectly and made me laugh. I’m glad my laughter is contagious… we could all do with a little light relief. Sally, thank you!! Reply
David Hollywood September 10, 2023 This is wonderfully symbolic and abstract poetry requiring a number of readings as they parade around in my mind with great challenges to my comprehension; like new layers upon layers being discovered each time. Many thanks Susan for such liberatingly descriptive poetry. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 David, thank you very much for your comment. The first two poems are written with an air of mystery and oddness about them… by design. My main aim was to make you smile. I hope I succeeded. Reply
C.B. Anderson September 10, 2023 If you keep this up, Susan, I might have to report you to the Department of Homeland Security. The truth, or anything that smacks of it is strictly forbidden. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 Oh dear, C.B., I think you may have to join the end of a long queue. I did try very hard to disguise the truth in these ones… It is becoming increasingly obvious I failed miserably. Reply
Margaret Coats September 10, 2023 One of my friends says she lost two children while wearing pants and watching daytime television. She changed her wardrobe and started homeschooling. Life can still be a frightful flux but there’s no need to face it as dimwits! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 10, 2023 The entire purpose of my poem in a nutshell, Margaret. Keep the monsters at bay or you will pay! A stark warning indeed. Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson September 11, 2023 That was a great quote that fit all the clowns in your three poems. The sincerity of the messages shines through the delicious humor served up with alliteration and elan in chilling, yet comical verse. We have indeed “hurtled way off track.” Those parents who have neglected discipline and teaching their children at home respect, among other things, while ignoring what they are learning on the boob tube in school have brought us to the brink of disaster while the demons and ghouls pervert and convert their minds. I must say with all the epithets ensconced in “The Splendor of Socks,” has greatly expanded my phraseology with some pet sayings that I cherish. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Roy, thank you very much for your wonderful comment. I like to serve a plate of serious with a sprinkling of sunshine topped with a smile in a sort of spoonful-of-sugar way. The world is harsh enough without my poetry adding to the angst. I’m hoping there’s going to be a huge surge in the sale of socks now my poem’s out there… the world needs more socks! Reply
Brian A. Yapko September 11, 2023 A trio of rolicking, biting poems, Susan, which are a pleasure to read and analyze. “The Dirge of the Dimwits” is full of amazing, tongue-twisting language and monstrous imagery which almost suits it for Halloween – from the eerie roar to the litany of abominable nasties from ghouls to banshees to vampires to daemons – and yet this is not a Halloween poem. This is a poem about the way our society now treats our children – particularly when it comes to misdiagnosing and then permanently injuring children “to affirm their gender identity” when, in fact, they are : a) gay; b) confused; c) play-acting; d) people-pleasing, etc, etc ad infinitum. Your use of monster images actually allows us to get into the mind of a child terrified by what may lie hidden under the bed or waiting to pounce from the attic. It is painful to contemplate this. It is even more painful to contemplate the fact that all it took was parental boundaries and a willingness to exercise adult duties to prevent this epidemic of dysfunction, and far too many of us failed to step up. Perhaps we’re not responsible for letting the monsters out, but we could have done more to put them back. Never again. As you know, Susan, I suffer from coulrophobia and so “Mitigating Circumstances” is the stuff of nightmares. It is also hilarious and full of entertaining, fascinating and unnerving images. There’s something almost hallucinatory about this poem which causes me to look at our modern world, our modern leaders, and to see them through the warped distortions of a fun house mirror. This reminds me of Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” The conceit of this poem is as peculiar as the title: This defendant deserves leniency because – poor man – he’s a clown. Well, it’s a good thing our legal system doesn’t actually work that way. Too bad our political system does. “The Splendor of Socks” is a dizzying kaleidoscope of images, word-play, poetic devices and cheeky humor. I can picture you rolling on the floor in laughter as you wrote this. There is no possibility of writing words like “A portly warthog’s waddle” or “A barmy llama’s karma” while keeping a straight face. And to read these out loud is a toothsome, chewy pleasure. Well done, all three! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Brian, you understand my poetry at a level that fills my heart with hope. Our children need us more than ever now, and any God-given gift we have to draw attention to their plight is a blow for those who want to sweep the evil under the carpet in order to continue their monstrous aim… and that aim is not for the good of our children, it’s to line their pockets with ill-gotten gains. I know you’re with me on that front. You have done so much to highlight the brutality, and I thank you for your example. There are no mitigating circumstances. All those with heads full of destructive clowns should be accountable for their bleep-blue deeds, and socks should be the necessary fashion accessory. Brian, thank you very much for your support, your encouragement, and your inspiration. Your latest poem is must read: https://classicalpoets.org/2023/09/04/on-the-existence-of-two-genders-a-poem-by-brian-yapko/ Reply
Mia September 11, 2023 Dear Susan, I have taken your yearning for words of cheer literally because I feel the pain. I say, I say what did the right eye say to the left eye don’t know what did it say? between you and me something smells I say, I say what did the pirate say when he turned 80 Aye Matey excuse these, I didn’t even make them up myself.. Your poems just encapsulate what I think but ne’er so well express. Reply
Mia September 11, 2023 Oh dear, compared to what you have given us this does fall a bit flat, to say the least Anyway Susan I know you have a sense of humour. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Mia, I do have a sense of humour, and I am thrilled you do too… for me, it’s survival. A giggle with a good friend is the greatest gift life has offered me. Laughter really is a universal language… one we all understand and should indulge in more often. Mia, you’re a shining, smiling gem in a dark and dour world.
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Mia, you have most certainly given me a chuckle… and I feel all the better for it. I especially like octogenarian pirate! Thank you very much indeed! Reply
Norma Pain September 11, 2023 I enjoyed these three poems so much Susan. In “The Splendor of Socks”, I love it when you say, “I do not give a nibbled fig”, etc. etc. Reading it over and over gave my tongue a good workout. I knew this was going to be one of my favorite, along with all of the other favorite poems of yours. These are so much fun and so very cleverly done. Thank you for the giggles. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Norma, how lovely to hear from you. I hope you’re mending nicely… and thank you very much for your comment. I loved writing the socks poem. I am coming to learn that there is more to socks than meets the eye and I’m stocking up on socks at an alarming rate! Norma, thank you! Reply
Yael September 11, 2023 All three poems are highly entertaining and enjoyable, on so many levels. There’s the fairy tale and nursery rhyme aspect, the current Zeitgeist commentary, the poetic mastery, the word plays and alliterations, and the intriguing story lines. I love it, great job! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 12, 2023 Yael, I know you have a discerning palate when it comes to poetry, so your glorious comment has me grinning from ear to ear. Thank you very much indeed! Reply
Joshua C. Frank September 13, 2023 Susan, these are all great, but I’m especially moved by the first one. It’s so true. Western civilization is dead, pure and simple, and replaced by a culture of pure evil, appropriating the name of Western culture, that I wish would hurry up and die. I’d comment more, but I’d end up getting too emotional. Instead, I’ll let Joe Vasicek do the talking for me, for those who haven’t read this link before: https://www.onelowerlight.com/writing/a-crippling-realization/ Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant September 14, 2023 Josh, thank you very much for your appreciative comment. Please know that Western civilization isn’t dead. It lives on in the hearts, souls, and consciences of many. We have a place here at the SCP where we can stand up and speak out for those who respect the foundations of our culture. I am certain that throughout history many have been despondent; many have thought they had lost to the army of evil – yet here we are. Many who were persecuted in the past went on to have families and to build a life… my son is doing that now in the face of the world’s horrors… and my granddaughter needs to know that her elders haven’t given up. The world is cruel. The truth makes it better. And we must never give up on telling it with whatever gift we have to get heard. Josh – you are on the winning side! Keep writing and smiling! Reply
Joshua C. Frank September 15, 2023 Rather than go into a long, convoluted argument, I would rather just say that the more I learn about today’s world, the less hope I have for the future. The ship has already sunk, and I write my poems to get people into available spaces on lifeboats. The existence of lifeboats doesn’t mean the ship hasn’t sunk.
