NPM09: "This is Just to Say" Poems

The poem, "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams is interesting in itself. It's an apology, sorta. More, it's an explanation of why it's easier (and at times advantageous) to ask forgiveness than permission. It's meant to be playful.

What makes it more fun is how people are responding by writing their own "This is Just to Say" poems.  Some of these are highlighted in the recent This American Life radio episode "Mistakes Were Made" which I recommend you check out. The author of the Somewhere in the Suburbs blog has also asked readers to write their own version of the poem.

First, the original poem by William Carlos Williams. Second, my poem, followed by others from elsewhere.

This Is Just To Say (via)
by William Carlos Williams

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

My attempt...

This is Just to Say
by Steve McCoy

I left
an insulting comment
on your
blog

when you
heartily
recommended the new
U2 album

Forgive me
I was already
logged in
and have functioning ears

Two from Kenneth Koch, poet (via)

Last evening we went dancing and I broke your leg.
Forgive me. I was clumsy and
I wanted you here in the wards, where I am the doctor!

(And...)

I chopped down the house that you had been saving to live in next summer.
I am sorry, but it was morning, and I had nothing to do
and its wooden beams were so inviting.

Carol (Somewhere...commenter)

I called
your new husband
by the name
of your old boyfriend.

The one
We thought
Would
Marry you.

Forgive me.
He was familiar
So jolly
And easy talk to.

Comments

[L.L. Barkat]

OMG, hilarious. The blog one and Carol's husband one.

[nAncY]

good

[Dustin DeKoekkoek]

Good one. I heard this on This American Life also. The poems they had were great. The story about the cryonics guy was pretty fascinating as well. I think that was the same episode.

[Erica Hale]

Ha! This was just what I needed this morning. I love them! Thanks for the laugh :o)

[Evan]

This is Just to Say

sorry about
the other day.

It was embarrassing—
her holding my hand
you there, flushed red.

The sunset was beautiful,
and really it was only
a walk in the park.

When did you take up running
anyway?

--Evan Freemyer

[Matt Beatty]

Steve,

What makes the poem you published above a POEM and not a couple of sentences broken up onto different lines? (I'm not trying to be sarcastic or mean; I'm just not "getting" it)

Thanks,
Matt

[Steve McCoy]

Ahh, this is what National Poetry Month is about. Good question. I'm not a scholar of poetry, and this isn't really one of my favorite forms, but it's fine...and fun. There's all sorts of forms and poetic elements. Look at stuff like this: http://poets.org/page.php/prmID/197. Poetry is essentially "an art of language." A few other definitions...

"A good poem is often the shortest and most powerful way to make a point." -Jeanne Murray Walker

"The rhythmic creation of beauty." -Edgar Allan Poe

"Prose: words in their best order; poetry: the best words in the best order." -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"Perfection of form united with a significance of feeling." -T.S. Eliot

[sojourner]

cute!