There is much to be said about studying the works of famous poets throughout history.

Noted poets such as e.e. Cummings, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, all impart important lessons on structure, technique, form, and various literary devices.

But, we are also enhanced and enriched by examining the works and various styles of expression of our contemporaries.

With this in mind, in honor of National Poetry Month, today's post features the works of several Chicago poets and authors.

Enjoy!

THE GETAWAY

BY: G.M. OQLAT

Down glistening trash-strewn alleys, I'm dead on his heels

This thief caught in the act.

Pounding through the gangways-- I'm losing ground Reaching the open street, I'm alone.

He has fled in a direction unknown.

I catch my breath near bystanders who gaze with suspicious eyes

The cliche' falls from my lips; "Which way did he go?"

The nearest man appraises my badge, uniform, and spats a frothy wad at my feet

followed by a smirk and a hard silence broken by the tittering of his peers in whose eyes he's grown.

I'd like to smirk in reply only I just turn and go sighing

because I know it's simply a matter of time

before the very one who got away

returns to pick clean his saviors

oblivious to their aid.

ODE TO AN ABSTRACT POEM

BY: JENNIFER BROWN BANKS

Loosely You share yourself,

Your lines and form,

Coy... like a temptress,

Never giving too much too soon,

You invite us to stay

Seductive in your mystery,

You can be confounding,

Forcing us to Penetrate your surface,

Decipher your double talk,

Flirtatious in your beauty,

You appeal to the eyes Of many

HAIKU II

BY: JOYCE MERRIWETHER

Just keep on dancing

The beautiful part inside

Of you

Will appear

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