Why Poems Have to Rhyme

I wouldn’t give the time of day 
To poems that don’t rhyme 
Disgusting me in every way 
I think they waste my time 

I find no fun in reading works 
With no melodic flow, 
‘Cause rhyming poems have their quirks, 
Free verse is just for show. 

Sure they’re always comprehensive, 
Sure they’re good for school; 
But with no rhyme I’m apprehensive -- 
Education’s cruel. 

Dickenson’s and Shakespeare’s 
Wrought headaches with the pen. 
Homer’s epic, to his peers 
Goes middle, start, to end. 

Whitman loves his Leaves of Grass 
While Hughes supports the Black. 
Read them through and you’ll amass 
A wrenching heart attack. 

Silverstein now he’s for real, 
And Frost, they’re both good men. 
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood 
Meet Where the Sidewalk Ends. 

Rhyming brings a happy smile 
To all and every age. 
While with no rhythm it takes a while 
For readers to engage. 

So whether you choose ABAB 
Or choose AAAA. 
Just please don’t touch ABCD 
And wash my dreams away.

Reviews

[Gee]

Hi Thomas, couldn't agree more. Very well expressed in this free flowing piece

[mattavelli]

Hello, Thomas. :)
This was a lot of fun! I like to write rhyming poetry. Without rhyme, how do we know where the line breaks should be...