Active / Passive Pantoum Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

my dad taught me all about voice
he encouraged me to play with others
I was encouraged by my dad to play
but what if I don't care who plays?

Dad encouraged me to play with others
Put your dukes up, son! Guard your mug!
but what if I don't care who plays?
He'll beat you senseless, hapless fool!

Put up your dukes! Guard your mug, son!
I moved to close with my foe who threw a right
He'll beat you senseless, blind fool!
I hit the canvas and curled into a ball

I moved to close with my foe who hammered me
stars exploded spit and blood spattered him
I hit the canvas and curled into a ball
better to play possum than be killed outright

stars twinkled spit and blood covered him
I was encouraged by dad to play ball
better to play possum than be killed outright
my dad taught me all about voice