One uneventful night while in the grip of relentless insomnia, I decided to take a crack at writing a poem. Not having any idea how to even start such an undertaking, I searched the web for tips on poem writing. I found a web site intended for fourth graders on how to construct a poem. I figured that was as simple of instructions as I was going to get, so I dove right in and began to construct my “literary masterpiece”. As per the tutorial, I searched my surroundings for a subject. My eyes landed on a ceramic beer stein perched on a shelf above my head that was purchased at Busch Gardens. The scene on it was of an old Budweiser beer wagon being pulled by a team of clydesdales with a couple of drovers at the reigns and dalmatian perched beside them. The following “disasterpiece” emerged as my sonnet:
LITTLE STEIN
Sitting at the desk alone
By glow of office light
Glance I upon the shelf above
A little to the right
There it stood all by itself
My precious little stein
Handle curving to its hip
Ceramic cup divine
Massive stately horses
Marching past in step
Of proud and noble Clydesdale breed
It’s pageantry they kept
Atop the large red wagon
Are dressed two men in blue
Stacked neatly up behind them
Endless creates of brew
Perched beside the truckers
A spotted faithful dog
Their diligent Dalmatian
Will keep them on their jog
Rushed to stay on schedule
This freighter won’t be slowed
A canine scent to guide them
Down a dusty narrow road
During this long journey
A thousand-one travails
Adventure waits before them
What destiny prevails
First see they a farmer
Baking in the sun
Ask him if he’d like some beer
Says “Thanks. I’ll just have one”
His face a sunny smile
These mournful eyes he had
To them he seems both happy
And yet a little sad
To them the dog and horses
He serves them food and hay
Warmed by generosity
They hear that wise man say
God above both good and hard
Gives you a balanced life
Your cows He’ll bless then your crops
And one day take your wife
In the barn they’re resting
This cool and lovely night
Farmer’s wisdom soon will prove
Most truthful and so right
On they roll with purpose
Till next they meet a man
Wearing shiny metals won
On violent blood soaked land
Soldier looks so tired
Coming from the west
They move some creates and boxes
And offer him some rest
His bones and limbs are battered
Ask they what went wrong
Caught up in a tragic war
Been fighting all year long
When the battle’s over
He alone is left
Foes and friends are vanquished
That’s why he looks bereft
Journeys end yet not in sight
Claps thunder deep and loud
Yonder dark horizon
See they a twisting cloud
Quick they search for cover
Turning around the bend
A welcome empty cavern
That they can all hide in
Safely hid from nature’s spear
Beneath the rocky banks
Farmer’s wisdom in there heads
They bow a knee in thanks
As miles pass in splendor
Great beauty much supplied
Think they all of wonders
Abundance not denied
Spot they the sign St. Louis
At last the bustling town
Fatigue lifts from there bodies
Excitement all around
Majestically provokes the scene
A sentimental tear
Next will come a quaking thirst
They’d like an ice cold beer
Gazing at the picture
Upon a little stein
This silly little story
Ending in my mind
Sit I in peace and quiet
Thoughts mine have moved along
Looks back a little mug at me
Filled tall with dream and song
lafgod 