Poem

 

Some Opposites
by Richard Wilbur

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What is the opposite of riot?
It is lots of people keeping quiet.

The opposite of doughnut? Wait
A minute while I meditate
This isn’t easy. Ah! I’ve found it.
It’s a cookie with a hole around it.

What is the opposite of two?
A lonely me,a lonely you.

The opposite of a cloud could be
A white reflection in the sea
Or a huge blueness in the air
Caused by the cloud’s not being there

The opposite of opposite?
That’s much too difficult. I quit.

 

……………………………….

This poem by the twice Pulitzer winner, Richard Wilbur is funny, poignant, and rather philosophical.

This poem comes in the category where glass is either half-full or half empty.

It is looking at the big picture, using lateral thinking.

The part about the opposite of two is a lonely me and a lonely you, I thought at first that it was rather naff.  But that was only for a minute because my romantic nature kicked in almost immediately.  Yes the opposite of two is a lonely me and a lonely you.   I do agree.