Oddity

narative verse in rhyming quatrains

 

Oddity

 

 He suffers from a rare condition

advanced and chronic erudition

There was no end to what he knew

and every day learnt something new.

 

He learnt at a prodigious rate

 it seemed almost impossible

 and never did he hesitate

or seem to be uncomfortable.

 

Consultants came from far and wide

 to study this phenomenon

 and went away dissatisfied.

He just ignored them, carried on.

 

He could converse in ancient Greek

write poetry in Arabic.

In all the world he was unique.

 A savant or a lunatic?

 

Assembled experts disagree

on whether it’s a malady.

Requiring treatment urgently

or should they simply wait and see.

 

Though none have the ability

 to treat or even diagnose.

But still they wrangle bitterly

They can’t admit that no one knows.

 

They all dispersed and went their ways.

 He never noticed they had gone

he has enough to fill his days.

 He much prefers to be alone

 

to think deep thoughts he cannot share

because nobody could debate.

Although he finds this hard to bear

he’s used to being isolate.

 

26-Feb-08

Reviews

[Sorry Infamous]

The subject matter of this poem is a something that hasn't been touched on very much and I bet people find it hard to relate. I, personally found it interesting and also wondering who this was describing, yourself? a son? a mentor? It left me feeling sad, for are society does ostracize people who are different. I also found my self pondering what would be worse... having near infinite wisdom and being lonely or being an ignorant dim-whit and having everyone love you for it. I think I know what I'd choose, but as they say the grass is always greener...

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

This is a Wonderfully entertaining Write. I found it a little sad in the fact he was alone. Everyone should have someone to share their time and thoughts with. Still he seems content with his solitude. Nicely done.
Debby

[GARf]

I like how the society automatically assumes that a desire to learn is medically undesirable and seeks to cure it... :D It's an interesting take on the ostracizing of smart people, or even just those who want to learn - I know from experience that my peers often take that perspective torwards the people who take an active interest in learning.

If I had to make a criticism - I'd say that the very last word is a bit "awkward" if that makes sense. It doesn't affect the meaning or feeling of the poem - and it's really a nit-picky thing to mention. In fact, the only reason I'm mentioning it is because there's some people who post poems asking that people find things wrong with them so they can be improved. I... don't know if you're one of these people or not, so I thought I'd mention it and explain why :P

Other then that, though, the poem is really really good. I wish I was that smart :P

PS: Thanks for the review on my poem! :D