“I Think That Works”

By Thomas Page

I am student teaching a senior level class in Washington, DC. They have to write some poems on these prompts. I decided to try all 30 of them. However, I will not say what the prompt was but what it number was.

Prompt #11

I think that works

The hymn of the people uncertain

About the future

Grasping onto the straws of maybe

Just maybe, just maybe

Today will be the day of certainty.

I think that works

The hymn of the people anxious

About the future

That tomorrow may not be as good as today

Because the knot in your stomach

Suggests otherwise.

I think that works

The hymn of the people heartbroken

About their other

That like the dying night retreats into elsewhere

Because of uncertainty looming in themselves

Not reflected in their former.

I think that works

Nay, toss it out with the trash

The hymn of the people should be

I know that works because I am certain.

I am certain because I am me

Undoubtedly.