"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." ~Yogi Berra

Poetic Asides is now into Day 2 of the November Poem-A-Day (PAD) Chapbook Challenge.  Today's theme is to write a poem (or more than one poem) using an epigraph, which is a quote that speaks to the theme of the work, as well as inspiring or informing it.  

As you might guess, I love this sort of thing, because epigraphs are a great jumping off point.  In my case, as you might guess, I like to look for funny or humorous quotes because, well...because that is so me.  

In fact, my header today is a quote by the Yogi Berra.  And just so you know, while a nickel ain't worth a dime anymore, a couple of poems will always hold their value (whatever that might be.)

The form for each poem below is Nove Otto.

Image courtesy of Shirtoid

Pulley Get Me Outta Here!

“If you die in an elevator, be sure to press the Up button.” ~Sam Levenson

I hate that crowded, closed-in space

containing members of ‘Rat Race’.

That demon lift: elevator.      

And if I die before my floor

I only pray I’ll have strength for

pressing ‘UP’ initiator.

But here’s the thing:  I don’t know if

I’ll do it ‘ere I am a stiff.

Kind of like a late dumb waiter.

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Image courtesy of Beyond Bounds

Candidates Debate

“Be obscure clearly.” E.B. White

Be difficult to understand.
Speak plainly, on the other hand.
You’ll confuse your opposition.
Ambiguous…the way to go,
but say it straight so folks won’t know
where you stand on each position
as a front-running candidate.
Take this advice: when in debate,
‘stump.’ You’ll be a politician.

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