We have completed our new round robin. This time we did a poem in heroic couplets. This is the form Alexander Pope used often.

Summer Vacation
(by Group H)

I think it's time at last for me to take (S. Nottingham 4/24)
A trip because I really need a break---
stained dresses, pregnant chads and pardoned rogues (N.Richardson 4/28)
have left me longing for some distant brogue's
guileless folks, sundrenched isles, and other climes, (L.Schoneman 4/29)
freedom from deception, brings better times
to this despondent soul, so sick of strife, (D.Tennant II 4/30)
that at last I commandeer my dreary life
and hie my way to a sunny brochure or two (L.Robeck 5/2)
forgetting all the chores and work left to do
Escaping to the simple life, and yet (T. Perry 5/5)
expecting pampering that I won't forget.
My mind takes to the highway in a Jag (K.N. Baker 5/10)
(A roadmap on my lap keeps zig from zag)
The windows down, my skin soaks in warm light (J. Fitch 5/12)
My trunk, I'm glad, holds wine, a read, a kite.
With solitude in mind I scan the shore (L.Nottingham 5/14)
for empty sand, a quiet breeze, no more.
Despite my neighbors' disapproving looks, (M. Juster 5/15)
I love these drunken days with kites and books.
Just dozing with an umbrella overhead (B.Strejcek 5/16)
In the breezy shade I put my stress to bed
And dream a while about exotic shores (F. Adams 5/16)
Away from work and all the hum-drum chores
That tick away my time but add to naught, (Brash 5/21)
And steal dear hours, spent best right here in hot
Virginia, I suppose, if truth be known (J. Symmes 5/22)
my home's a comfort, though I may bemoan
its need for paint and shingle roof that leaks; (E. Lull 5/24)
but surely I can go for two short weeks!
The work that I so gladly left behind (J. Moore 5/24)
is making stealthy inroads to my mind.
Escaping on cruise control, I dream of ease, (D. Amburgey 5/27)
And like astronauts wafflestomp lunar seas!
Refusing thoughts of work as yet undone, (E. Webb 5/30)
I set my sail beyond the flaring sun
with western breezes wafting me away, (J. Shiver 5/31)
relaxing in the sun and silver spray.
But zounds, what sound be that, alas, alack? ( M. Lederman 6/11)
Shrill yonder phone doth rudely bring me back...
reminding me of work that must be done (S.N. Sellers 6/11)
before and AFTER leisure time is won !

The Poetry Society of Virginia