If my dad was a poet

If my dad was a poet
he's be a dark one
like Edgar Allen Poe

he'd write them in the margins of news papers
back of menus
or on napkins

if my father was a poet
he'd recite them aloud
play with the words in the air
and let anyone contribute
repeat them fervently proud

he'd let you think your were brilliant
he'd praise your efforts at all
he'd wear the poem like jewelry
he'd sing em like a song

he talks to the strangers of pedestrians
they have man a stories untold
"get to start drinking
and damn can't start"
ohhh wee the personality
 in that voice
south holds the most beloved treasures
of memories of past choice

he says
"I'm sure everyone has a good reason for
doing what they do,
if only we could listen
perhaps we'd understand too."

oh the things i've learned from those
who did what they were told not to
who lived in ways forbidden
who pushed the boundaries through and through

thats what we're all meant to do.