Nothing But The Truth

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Wed, 20 Aug 2008
  • 4014 reads
9 comments
 

An 'Equivoque' poem.
By reading the odd lines only we get the opposite meaning to the one suggested by the whole poem.

When I look at you I see
an angelic vision and not
the most repulsive face
you think you have got.

For me you’ll always be
a swan, transformed from
the ugliest duckling:
a change made with aplomb.

I am sure I can detect
that you’re good in the main;
hypocrisy and deceit
you would not entertain.

I would say that you are
one who won’t tolerate
an untruthful person.
You don’t equivocate.

And you admit to being
embarrassed by your dog,
a promiscuous bitch,
which you intend to flog.

© Luigi Pagano 2008

Certificate U
Poem
Cherry ripe
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Hi Mac, as you emigrated to this site I knew that sooner or later our paths would cross. I too have seen the poem you refer to and very clever it was. It was the source of my inspiration but I could not produce two contrasting versions and so I plumped for the easier alternative. Anyway, many thanks for finding the time to comment.

 

Submitted by tcook on
It would be wonderful if you could produce a poem with three meanings - the overall one, the alternate line one starting with line one and the alternate line one starting with line two. That would take some doing - but I like this one!

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Thanks Tony. I will try the more complex form but it may take me some time.

 

Submitted by onemorething on
I liked it too...made me laugh.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Much obliged Doeslittle for your nice remark.

 

Submitted by BeamsAndVoids on
Haha, very funny and very clever. Cool idea and nicely done.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Hi L.O.T.O. Nice to hear from you. Glad you liked it. Can't take the credit for the idea,though; it goes back to the 16th century. I picked it up in a book about poetry forms.

 

Submitted by Dynamaso on
What a clever idea. And inspiring too.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Hello Mark. I agree that it is a clever idea but not my own, I have to confess. I read a poem written in this style which was much more complex, having three different meanings. It was too challenging for me and I resorted to create a simpler version. Thanks for reading this piece and commenting.