Stopping To Ponder
You wouldn’t hire
a fox
to reinvent
the henhouse
And you wouldn’t
task a mute
to shout
“The Enemy’s Approaching”
You wouldn’t
date a woman
another’s love
she carries
And you wouldn’t
give a hand
to a foe who’s pledged
to bite it
You wouldn’t
show your cards
to a double-dealing
cheater
And you wouldn’t
trust a bard
who can’t read his words
with feeling
You wouldn’t
take the time
from an hourglass
that’s empty
And you wouldn’t
stop to ponder
on an answer
— without question
(Dreamsleep: January, 2026)
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▾ This Poem's Voice
Your Poem's Voice
Abstract wisdom about trust and judgment, grounded in concrete relatable scenarios.
Dense parallel structure delivers multiple ideas; eight scenarios compressed into tight form.
Cautionary and skeptical tone; warns against poor decisions and betrayal consistently.
Declarative, rhythmic repetition creates momentum; emphatic but not explosive or frantic.
Approximately 16 lines; fits mid-range category with substantial developed thought.
Rich metaphors (fox/henhouse, mute warning, hourglass) and personification throughout; highly ornamented.
Pure lyric voice; speaker directly addresses reader with internal wisdom and reflection.
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