I’m joining in the celebration over at dVerse Poets Pub, where we’re crafting quadrilles—44‑word poems that must include a given word. Today’s word is return, and as I pondered it on my commute home from work, my thoughts turned to the strange times we’re living in. The result is a layered little poem that hopefully captures bewilderment and dismay.
Turn Out or Lose Out: A Quadrille Poem
are we crossing
the point
of no return
with a changeling—
no—
a strangeling
spewing nocturnal
accusations infernal
exaggerating turnout
and increasing burnout
are we accepting
being told
‘none of your concern’
by a changeling—
no—
a strangeling
who’s increasingly internal
and regressively paternal
© 2025, Glover Gardens
I enjoyed your wonderful rhyming – even whilst absorbing the serious message which it (along with the appellations) reinforces..
Thank you!
Kim, your poem hits me with a sharp edge—“a strangeling / spewing nocturnal / accusations infernal” especially catches my ear. It feels like a poetic snapshot of political and emotional exhaustion.
Much love,
David
Exhaustion – yes!
I feel like there are too many changeling, strangelings who are regressively paternal (patriarchal).
Yes, patriarchal is the much better word, but it doesn’t rhyme… glad you made the connection. I felt slightly bad about making ‘paternal’ negative because I had such a good experience with my father.
You’re welcome, Kim.
I understood what you meant, but I agree, and I also had a good experience with my father.
Kim I found this an evocative piece, delving into themes of identity, control, and societal dynamics- brilliant 🙌
This tells of the wicked turns taken; are we accepting? I hope Not! Sadly he’s sold himself as a re-turn to… ???
The themes of identity, control, and societal dynamics are powerfully woven into this quadrille! Great write ❤️❤️
exhausting … exactly!! 😉
Little balance anywhere, masculine/feminine out of whack, the patriarchy clinging to an authoritarian death cult, strangeling indeed.