Poetry...

looks like a sign you drive past

then want to know what it said.

It looks like a vague visual of your nigga walking

down the street

but too far away to tell.

It smells like a sweet essence

but you don't know where it's emanating from.

Mixed fruit and vegetables in the produce section

of the corner store.

It sounds like a mysterious squeak or bump

in your house

when you are all alone

and the lights are off.

It is the starburst candy in the question wrapper

so you have to guess what fruit it is.

It feels like the oohhs and aahhs you get

and then the daps and compliments

after you finish spitting a flow you made up the previous day.

Poetry is the alternate rap style.

Poetry...

sounds like the babbling a guy does

when he wants to get your number

then again it sounds sweet like your boyfriend's voice

when he comes in from a long day at work.

Poetry looks like the snowy lines when you don't have cable

and have to watch ABC

or it looks like the clarity of ABC

when you have broadband cable.

Poetry smells like the steak my mother makes for dinner

with all the seasonings and toppings I like.

Poetry feels like a Jim Dandy ice cream from Friendly's

with all the topping in the world

going lavishly down the back of my throat.

Poetry is...

the sound of a jazz band playing after midnight.

Poetry looks like a mysterious woman waiting for the A train.

Poetry smells like the aroma of a different country.

Poetry tastes like the sip of a beverage when you are blindfolded.

Poetry feels like the anticipation of the end of a good novel.

Poetry!

by Janine M. Ehrardt

Poetry...

sounds like music to my ear,

an unbroken beat.

Poetry looks like something smooth

guiding a boat through smooth waves.

Poetry smells like viola!  Something so marvelous!

Poetry tastes like a peach

smooth and sweet.

Poetry feels like a record being spun!

Poetry…

Poetry is...

a never-ending story.

It makes you wonder what is coming next.

It has the smell of a ripe tomato

or a rotted prune.

The taste is strong and sour like a lemon.

The sound of traffic

makes me think of poetry.

Poetry looks like a brand new book

that was not opened

but will soon be read.

Poetry is inside us

and brings out

the creativity within.

Poetry...

sounds like when someone is telling their thoughts

and feelings to someone they love.

Poetry looks like a person who is happy.

Poetry smells like being refreshed and smooth like snuggles.

Poetry tastes like fresh air.

Poetry feels like telling all your feelings

without being scared or afraid.

Poetry…

Poetry is...

Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel

flowing over the "Nas is Like" song

from the "I Am" CD.

Poetry looks like Lisa Raye

in the movie "The Players Club".

Poetry smells like the Downy mixed

with the curve of my clothes.

Poetry tastes like curry goat,

rice and peas

that I'm going to rip up tonight.

Poetry feels like the Jordans on my feet

light and almost non-existent.

Poetry…

Who am I?

I am like a Snickers Bar

because I look hard on the outside

but am nice and crunchy on the inside.

I am like ham

nice, juicy and tender

but I can be tough when you get to the bone.

I am like sleep

because I'm quiet

but when startled

I wake and am loud.

I am like a lion

because I rule things

Queen Letia.

I am blue

the sea off the shores of Cozumel

the sky on a sunny spring day

the roar of the waves crashing on a beach

the wind in the trees

blueberry syrup, cotton candy

Jello and 50 cent soda

soulful music, sadness

cool, burning out or icy cool.

A star burns blue.

Dare to dream

in blue.

I am

Skittles, because once you get used to my sweetness

I leave you wanting more.

I am curry chicken because I'm hot and spicy.

I am the sound of a truck

because I can go off at anytime.

I am like a dolphin

because I can be friendly most of the time

but I can also turn on you.

I am…

I am a laid back person.

I am laid back like the color of the sky

blue moving slowly.

When I am alone with nothing to do

that's when I sit calmly in my room

playing soft music.

Did you ever sit by a riverbank in the springtime?

Well…that soft wind blowing through your hair and fingers,

that is what my laidbackness sounds like.

My laidbackness smells like the syrup on your morning pancakes.

I am a laidback person.