How To Pick a Fight With the Universe

[AuntShecky]

(Note: This is a "reply", so to speak, to the short poem by Stephen Crane that begins "A man said to the Universe.")


How to Pick a Fight With the Universe


Hey, you! I'm talking to you,
Fate or Chance or God–
or whatever name you decide
this week –
com’on, just me and you,
outside.

Com’ on, let’s see what
you're made of, you cold,
unfeeling, insouciant,
expanse of cosmic
nothingness!

For your indifferent bliss
and stony deafness
to Nature’s earthly kiss,
take this –

as for the flowering dreams
you took for lowly weeds
and mowed ‘em down flat –

take that
and that --


and that!

[skib]

Oooh . . . I like this one! Interesting concept to think about for sure.

[Niamh]

Auntie this poem is so funny! I place it right up there with Mirs "sold myself on Ebay".

[AuntShecky]

Thank you both for your kind replies.
Incidentally, here is the far superior and succinct original by Stephen Crane (1871-1900)

A man said to the Universe:
"Sir, I exist!"
"However," replied the Universe,
"The fact has not created in me
a sense of obligation."

[a_little_wisp]

I place 50 on Aunt Shecky. Universe, he's lookin' a little bleak these days.

Awesome, AuntShecky! That brought a smile to my face - how very, very clever!

[PrinceMyshkin]

Love it! but as Ronnie Reagan said in that movie where he played a GI whose leg had been amputated, "Where's the rest of me?" I'd love to hear you responding in the voice of the universe!

As it is the poem is a bit like Charlie McCarthy after Edgar Bergen has left the room.

[AuntShecky]

Thank you a little wisp and Prince. I admire both of your
work as well. I read everything you both write , even though I may not comment on every one.

And since you mentioned Charlie McCarthy, I hope it's okay to mention this anecdote about the little guy, even though occasionally his acting was a tad "wooden." I read that back in the radio days, Bergen's show was on the air, but the sound technician was having trouble. The microphone picked up Edgar's dialogue clearly, but every single line that Charlie said didn't get broadcast.

Finally the director discovered the root of the problem. Whenever Edgar finished a line, the operator of the boom mike moved it over to Charlie's "lips!"

True story! I kid you not.

[PrinceMyshkin]

Thank you a little wisp and Prince. I admire both of your
work as well. I read everything you both write , even though I may not comment on every one.

And since you mentioned Charlie McCarthy, I hope it's okay to mention this anecdote about the little guy, even though occasionally his acting was a tad "wooden." I read that back in the radio days, Bergen's show was on the air, but the sound technician was having trouble. The microphone picked up Edgar's dialogue clearly, but every single line that Charlie said didn't get broadcast.

Finally the director discovered the root of the problem. Whenever Edgar finished a line, the operator of the boom mike moved it over to Charlie's "lips!"

True story! I kid you not.

Well, I know a joke about a ventriloquist, but it's one of those 'dumb blonde' jokes & I think they're no longer (if ever they were) PC.

[firefangled]

I'm glad I ventured past the opening page of Personal Poetry tonight, AuntShecky.

The ending was a perfect portrayal of futility.

[Sapphire]

I am glad I ran into this poem

I like Stephen Crane's "A man said to the Universe" - I think it pops up in my head every week It just means a lot to me. Your twist to it, and the idea to answer... great! Really nicely done and I am with PrinceMyshkin: if you find the inspiration to answer with the voice of the Universe; please share.

I especially like "or whatever name you decide / this week" and "you cold, / unfeeling, insouciant, / expanse of cosmic / nothingness!.". I can not put words to it, just say nicely done

Take care, Sapphire

[ampoule]

Absolutely wonderful. I'm the one standing on the sidelines egging you on.

[AuntShecky]

Thank you firefangled, sapphire, and ampoule for reading this
and posting your kind comments.

[~Sophia~]

They say you can't fight city hall but, bless the ones who try!!! Your poem makes me feel us little guys stand a chance! Like opening the window and shouting "I'm not gonna take it anymore" I loved it.

[qimissung]

Inspired-and adorable!

[AuntShecky]

Thank you, Sophia and "q." I enjoy your work as well!