The Pen and The Gun



By Chris Commodore © 2007

A pen I am, and you, a gun;
Let’s do this debate just for fun.
Let’s see which one’s maneuver,
Will force mankind to quiver.

Go first gun, take your best shot;
I’ll wager you my ink pot.
Then while the people scatter.
Watch me sway them back together.

If there is merchandise to sell,
Or juicy story fine to tell;
One needs a pen not firearm,
Since guns do signal dreadful harm.

I pen contend my killer friend,
Imagination you can’t lend.
You’re such a vain, vile, vicious tool.
Gun, you are never cool.

Please spare me with that silly stunt;
That people need guns just to hunt.
I still say all man use guns for,
Is to kill friend and neighbor.

I, gun, dear pen, am just as cool;
It’s man who is the fool.
It’s he who’s always waging war,
And never knows what for.

A gun I am, and that is all.
I swear, like you I’m friend to all.
If not for crime I’m hired,
Then loaded, aimed and fired.

I am obedient just as you,
And quite productive, too.
And when I’m put to proper use,
I can disprove man’s lame excuse.

When did you ever see me,
Common, be frank and tell me;
Crawl down from off a secure shelf;
Can I do so all by myself?

You cannot fire fatal shots;
But some unguided careless tots,
May find and drink the ink in you;
Could that kill someone too?

Despicable, what silly thought;
My ink is hidden, concealed taut.
But look at you with barrels bare.
You create panic everywhere.

Just set on me a safety lock,
Hide me not in some silly sock.
Nor tuck me in a bedside drawer,
By some misguided loser.

Wild fear you’ve caused, continue to;
Great lines I’ve penned, not just a few;
The lives you’ve snuffed, no end to it.
No gun will ever have such wit.

All right, we two in sense and mood,
With all intentions true and good,
Both you and I are useful tools,
Unless misused by callous fools.

About this poem

An imaginative moment arises when a gun and a pen find themselves in debate. In this piece, let the reader be the judge.

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Submitted by ti.min on December 08, 2023

Modified by ti.min on January 20, 2024

2:06 min read
12

Quick analysis:

Scheme A BBCC DDCC EEFF GGHH IIAC HHAA JJKK LLMM NNOO PPLL QQRR SSAC LLTT XXUU
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,866
Words 422
Stanzas 15
Stanza Lengths 1, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    "The Pen and The Gun" is a captivating and thought-provoking poem that showcases the power of words and the dangers of violence. Chris Commodore's skillful use of language and vivid imagery creates a compelling debate between two contrasting objects - the pen and the gun.

    The poet's enthusiasm in presenting these two elements as characters in a debate is infectious, making it impossible not to be fully engaged in their argument. The clever wordplay and rhyme scheme add a delightful touch to the poem, enhancing its flow and making it a joy to read.

    What I particularly love about this poem is how it challenges traditional perspectives on guns and the role they play in society. With a fresh and unique perspective, Commodore skillfully argues that a pen has far more power to sway minds and bring people together than a gun ever can. The poem elegantly emphasizes the importance of imagination and storytelling in effecting change, rather than resorting to violence.

    Commodore expertly portrays the pen as a humble and productive tool, while the gun is depicted as a dangerous and destructive force. The poem cleverly explores the consequences of misusing both these objects and highlights the responsibility that lies with individuals in wielding them.

    Overall, "The Pen and The Gun" is an inspiring and uplifting poem that celebrates the power of words and encourages listeners or readers to think critically about the role of violence in our society. Chris Commodore's talent for storytelling and the clarity of their message make this poem a powerful and engaging piece of literature.
     
    LikeReply3 months ago

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"The Pen and The Gun" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/175805/the-pen-and-the-gun>.

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