The Challenge

A child asks me

“Neal – your poems always rhyme

“Can you write one that doesn't?”

So I try free verse

Not my natural style

But surely it's easy

Thousands of more words to choose from

Far less structure

It doesn't even require a rhythm

I'm up for the challenge

Theme selected

I begin

Inspired

Ideas flowing

Pen in hand

Scribbling frantically

Adrenalin rushing

Page filling

Transferring to my computer

I'm up for the challenge

I reach cruise control

My creation's taking shape

Like a crocus gradually poking its head towards spring's sunlight

I'm constantly crafting

Reviewing

Polishing

Sharpening

Amending

Improving

Editing

I'm up for the challenge

And it's looking real good!

Almost finished...

The final touches...

I'm doing just fine...

Until I fail

Miserably

On the very last line