I Can’t Complain (Rant Prose)

Since it’s poetry month, I thought I would try out some new forms and I bumped into a great blog post from A Different Perspective listing out 13 poetic form prompts. A big thanks to them for the inspiration

Prompt 13

Write an Rant Prose poem or

Write a poem about blindness

A Different Perspective by murisopsis

Here are the guidelines for Rant Prose:

– Complain
– Complain
– Complian
– 🤷‍♂️

So, I have to admit that I’ve been dreading this form. I think we are all so good at complaining in our lives and we share it openly in our tweets, and texts, and office conversations. I’m not sure, I’m up for this. I guess I could complain about complaining, but that seems a bit obnoxious since I DO complain plenty. Hmm. Let’s see how this goes.

I Can’t Complain

I can’t complain? Is that so? Not true, I’ll let you know.
For my iced coffee is too cold, my antiques are too old.
My puppy is too sweet, I’ve got too much to eat.
Worst of all I’ve too much time, this crosses the line.

So don’t tell me I can’t complain. Let me further explain.
My kids are too smart (and always do their fair part),
My wife is too kind (what a terrible find),
Oh and don’t get me going about all the chores being finished! The laundry folded! the dishes washed! the floors mopped! I’ve got nothing to do but drink beer and learn Finnish.

As you can see, my life is a contemporary dystopia. I can’t even write a rant without rhymes coming to my mind. This is supposed to be prose without any set form, yet I’m rhyming up a right ol’ storm. I must confess, this is turning into quite the poetic mess. Now where was I? Ah, still complaining I guess.

Let’s see. Let’s see. There are still a few things bothering me. Like sunshine and good wine and the absolute worstest thing of all is how everything seems to be just fine.

So you see, as I’ve clearly explained, I’ve got every right to complain. Now tell me you agree (or I’ll continue to argue and plea).

Well a bit snarky I guess, but I can’t complain. Hope you enjoyed. This was the final poetic form prompt in this series. I can’t thank @murisopsis enough for all of the inspiration these prompts provided. I’ve had so much fun learning hands-on as well as reading all the great pieces from the other participants. THANK YOU!

Be well,

Monty

• Getting Organized
  I spent a couple hours in the early morning yesterday cleaning up my home workspace. I didn’t take a before picture but, trust me, itContinue reading “Getting Organized”
• The Greens are Vibrant
  We’ve entered the rainy season here in Shanghai. I believe today is the official first day, but we got a little head start. The greensContinue reading “The Greens are Vibrant”
• Reading Luke
  At the recommendation of my brother I’m reading Luke in the Bible. I’ve tried to read the Bible before but I always got stuck earlyContinue reading “Reading Luke”
• Gone Bald (Again)
  I did it. I shaved it all off. This isn’t my first time. The first time was my senior year in high school. Or moreContinue reading “Gone Bald (Again)”
• Unstapled
  I took Mrs. Monty in to the hospital today to have her surgical staples removed. She was a trouper as she alway is. It clearlyContinue reading “Unstapled”
• Partially Figured
  Be well, Monty
• 3am
  I’ve been waking up at about 3am the past week or so. I’m fully awake and there is no question that my sleep for theContinue reading “3am”
• Horizon
  Be well, Monty
• Wound Up
  Wound Up Amorphous thoughts twirling and whirling; rushing through widening gaps in my failing damn mind! Splashing forcefully against blade; Spinning my wheels and gearsContinue reading “Wound Up”
• Playful
  Be well, Monty
• Dragon in Flight
  Be well, Monty
• All of Me
  All of Me The beauty in God, as I am coming to understand Him, is that He is all knowing. That I don’t need toContinue reading “All of Me”
• Morning Concert
  It’s drizzling around me. I first noticed the patter upon the umbrella above. A little too heavy to be the mosquitos dancing. A little tooContinue reading “Morning Concert”
• The Day After Yesterday
  The Day After Yesterday The morning is cool. The air is a fresh floral green.The light is bright beyond the shade tree’s shadow. My mindContinue reading “The Day After Yesterday”
• Another Floral Pattern
  Be well, Monty
• Weave Too
  Be well, Monty
• Weave
  Be well, Monty
• Painted Flowers
  Painted Flowers I bought these flowers for my wife yesterday. An early nod to Mother’s Day. Since we are having guests over at the houseContinue reading “Painted Flowers”
• On Exhibit
  Be well, Monty
• A Little More Than a Drizzle
  The birds are insistent today. I don’t speak their language, but I get their point. It’s a brand new day and the wonder of thatContinue reading “A Little More Than a Drizzle”
• The Human
  The Human I saw the figure as I turned the corner —Cold, calloused, and oddly angled; Creepy. Nightmarish. A Human. It smelt something awful. MustContinue reading “The Human”
• Strangers
  Be well, Monty
• Another Garden Dawdler
  It’s time for Rory’s Garden Dawdler again — nine questions posed once a week for our answering pleasure. Back in my garden and impressed withContinue reading “Another Garden Dawdler”
• Figures
  Be well, Monty
• Willing and Able
  Willing and AbleHe is willing, am I?Am I willing to let go, let God?To plant my seeds of doubtAnd trust faith will flourish? He isContinue reading “Willing and Able”
• An Exercise III
  Be well, Monty
• An Exercise II
  Be well, Monty
• Under the Pi Pa Tree
  I’m sitting under the pi pa tree observing hundreds of yet to ripen fruits. I wonder what pi pa jam tastes like? It was justContinue reading “Under the Pi Pa Tree”
• An Exercise
  Be well, Monty
• Morning Ride
  Morning Ride Her arms wrapped around me,Wanting more, I sped up;She held on tighter;I smiled into the rushing wind,Wishing I could go faster. Mrs. MontyContinue reading “Morning Ride”
• An Old Sketch
  An Old Sketch What’s this?A tree yet to be.Or, If roasted,A fragrant snack. Be well, Monty