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
Comments
Macjoyce | August 20, 2008 - 17:22
Very funny, Lu. Of course, it works better with the alternate lines to the right of the originals, separated by a short space, so you have two poems in one, saying opposite things depending on how you read it. But then, the lines in the second column would have to make sense in their own right as well. I've seen it before in, of all things, a book about the architectural history of Glasgow. It was even viciouser than yours - one version of the poem said Catholics were nice chaps and the other version didn't.
www.myspace.com/norwichfacetransplant
luigi_pagano | August 20, 2008 - 18:44
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.
tcook | August 21, 2008 - 14:34
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!
Doeslittle | August 21, 2008 - 15:58
I liked it too...made me laugh.
luigi_pagano | August 21, 2008 - 16:27
Thanks Tony. I will try the more complex form but it may take me some time.
luigi_pagano | August 21, 2008 - 16:28
Much obliged Doeslittle for your nice remark.
LawOfTheOne | August 23, 2008 - 02:11
Haha, very funny and very clever. Cool idea and nicely done.
Dynamaso | August 23, 2008 - 11:55
What a clever idea. And inspiring too.
luigi_pagano | August 23, 2008 - 16:14
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.
luigi_pagano | August 23, 2008 - 16:19
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.