Debate Poem by Leslie Alexis

What is a bird that cannot fly?
Because of lack of burgeoning wings,
He soars no more through skies and sea
So much is left unseen by him.

And what is a dog that cannot bark?
With teeth and grin, he is not so fierce
His companions take his acts for nil
He wishes to know the barkers' thrill.

What is a heart that cannot love?
A vessel that carries useless blood
That is ignorant of the graces of life,
Refusing to absorb that which is rife.

And what is a giraffe without a long neck?
Nothing more than the common sheep,
But the grasses hold no desire to him;
The prospect of tomorrow seems very dim.

So too, what is a poem with no rhyme?
A song with no rhythm that cannot be sung,
A canvas whose purpose is best served in fire,
A building whose foundation is set on mire.

Ostriches are Birds that cannot fly,
But never does he ask God why,
For his wings are replaced by steady legs
Of his speed many an animal often begs.

The Basenji is a dog that cannot bark,
But yodels in song as sweet as the lark's.
When asked, he does not miss that sound
For to him; he's a very unique hound.

The heart that does not love does not exist,
For every heart found is fond of a kiss.
Though many are reluctant to let others in,
Most assuredly, 'to love' is like having skin.

The Giraffe with a short neck has long limbs
Allowing reach of branches on the bottom rim,
Thus, this Giraffe, though short, is Giraffe in all;
And says being giraffe is in his heart, not in being tall.

And poetry without the chains of rhymes
Lives free of lyrical and verbal confines,
Yes, the flow may not be that of the waves,
But the impact can be potent to willing minds.

Copyright � 2009 Leslie Alexis