GUEST POEM BY BOB SCHECHTER

A couple of years ago I devised a new poetic form, called 'The Big Boss'. It is very simple, and so far I have written and published a number of poems using this specification. Here are the rules for writing a Big Boss poem:

• 4 stanzas, 7 lines in each stanza
• 4 syllables in the first six lines of each stanza, and 6 syllables in the final line
• rhyme scheme is ABCBDBE, FGHGIGE, JKLKMKE, NOPOQOE

I am delighted to announce that renowned American poet Bob Schechter recently got in touch with me to say that, following my lead, he has written a Big Boss poem. I am therefore delighted to share his wonderful poem on my blog (and please do check out Bobs' website - www.bobschechter.com):

INSIDE

The sun may shine,

the breeze may blow,

the birds may sing,

the trees may grow,

the sky is blue

for all I know.

Who cares? I stay inside.

I have my toys,

I have my phone,

I'm here within

my bedroom zone.

Though others hate

to be alone,

who cares? I stay inside.

Outside the door

my puppy calls:

Why waste the day

inside of walls?

He wants to play

with sticks and balls.

Who cares? I stay inside.

But then I get

a text from you!

I'm in the park!

Can you come, too?

I'd planned to stay

inside, it's true.

Who cares? I race outside!