Flashback Friday Poetry: Courting Women

“it’s hunting season”
he hollered to his son
“it’s time you learned
how things should be done
first the proper clothing
and other things you should wear
this is a must when hunting
two-legged deer
secondly speech
this you’ll surely need
it is the most important
so listen to me
choose your words carefully
speak in good time
do not interrupt
and no wandering of the eyes
when you’ve achieved their attention
all else is downhill
if you have not
than prepare to be grilled
when you’ve got her
please respect your woman
otherwise she’ll make you
stand over the oven”

Early poetry from James. From the poetry collection Pariah Bound: The Lonesome Poetry.

Happy Birthday Shakespeare!

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In celebration of Shakespeare’s birth and death day, and in celebration of National Poetry Month, enjoy one of Shakespeare’s sonnets. This is one of my favorites.

Sonnet LXXI (71)

No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world with vilest worms to dwell:
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it, for I love you so,
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O! if, I say, you look upon this verse,
When I perhaps compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse;
But let your love even with my life decay;
   Lest the wise world should look into your moan,
   And mock you with me after I am gone.

Visit Shakespeare’s Sonnets to read more of his poetry.