Short Free Verse Poems about the Human Condition

Many Hundreds

Many hundreds said no and
One said yes exuberantly.

Many hundreds missed the point and
One said yes knowingly.

Many hundreds stared blankly and
One said yes joyfully.

One said yes and I only heeded
The ones who said no.

A path travelled many times until
Yes revealed itself.


Get the Poetry Collection
Unconventional Being - Minimalist Poetry Book by Guy Farmer

Readers around the world have found pieces of themselves in these poems. Discover the collection.

Release

No matter how much evidence or
Fact is involved, make sure to hang
On to flimsy defensive devices,
Ensuring perpetual paralysis.

Clear a wide swath of disconsolate
Despair. Never budge; even the
Slightest gesture a capitulation to
Those who would unmask you.

Outside your sphere of comprehension,
Compassionate eyes keep a vigil.
Awaiting awakening, earnest
Hope for insight and release.

Complete

He was mesmerized by the sound of
People cheering in adulation.
His hunger was satisfied by
Constant compliments. At the
End of the day, he looked online at
The throngs of admirers captivated by
His every movement and utterance.
Before he went to sleep, he watched
The television presenters inform the
World about his latest projects.
He turned off the light, alone with
Complete, desolate emptiness.

Something Unexpected

Something unexpected supervenes.
Interrupts the day, reorganizes
Carefully ordered schedule,
Rearranges blocks of time and
Expectation, elicits an outpouring of
Vituperative discontent.

She Searched a Long Time

She searched a long time for that
One true love, the prince charming
Who would ride in on a white horse and
Sweep her off her feet,
The perfect gentleman who would
Tend to her every need and
Lavish her with romance and passion,
The chiseled, courageous protector
Who would rescue her at
The most harrowing moments,
The soul mate to make her whole.
She searched a long time,
He never appeared, didn’t exist.
She continued her journey and
Learned to love herself and
The real person she found.

Your House

It’s hard to step out of your house
When all you’ve ever known is your
House and all you’ve ever been
Told about is your house.

There are monsters out there
Who want to destroy you. You were
Warned by those who consumed you
For control and meaning.

Exuding

Laugh a dry, clipped, hard cackle
Born of circumstance and necessity.
Spew words that diminish and
Marginalize humanity.
Give just enough affection at infrequent
Intervals to leave the vulnerable
Wondering if they measure up.
Cast judgment on those who don’t
Meet arbitrary requirements
Exuding from chronic hurt.

Anything More Frightening

Is there anything more frightening
Than a man with angry eyes
Walking toward you with intention?

Is there anything more frightening
Than a man with confused eyes
Talking long about nothing?

Is there anything more frightening
Than a man with heartless eyes
Imposing his convictions?

Lie to Me

Lie to me,
I’m ready to accept what
You say as true.
See in me the weaknesses
You can exploit for your
Own advancement.

Lie to me,
I’m willing to suspend my
Disbelief because I never had
It in the first place and I’m
Not ready to deal with
The pain.