I was writing the 'poem' below the above question came to mind. Were we not taught in English that a story should have a top, middle and end? Is this not true of a good poem interminglred with the occasional rhyme?

Winters Dice
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The darkness of night was being washed away by the first rippling specks of light
The birth of a new day sent the suns rays dancing upon a shimmering white surface
As the temperature crept up the dusted snow branches released their burden
As the clumps of snow hit the covered forest floor it startled a young deer
Sending it darting for the cover of mothers protection leaving crisp footprints behind
This idealist scene greeted me as I stepped onto the veranda of our mountain retreat
Cheeks flushed with the cold I marched slowly stamping my feet to kindle inner warmth
I grasped the axe and walked toward the pile logs to break up to help build a fire
My mind still drinking in the natures scenes I had not noticed a Grizzly Bear appear

He had been eyeing up the young deer and went to give chase, before noticing me
He raised himself up behind a tree to take my scent and from the open shack door
Creeping with deftness he made for my direction using what cover he could
Almost at same time as I grasped the axe he halted abruptly sensing a power change
His lungs breathed deep catching the smell of last nights roasted hog remains
That moments hesitation basically saved my life, but almost cost my mate his
The cabins open door offered an easier meal, so he turned, past the sharpened shafts
Searching for food he entered the kitchen at same time as my half asleep mate
Before the bears presence registered the grizzly reared up to its full height
With the precision of a hunter he pounced upon of Jack’s back as he half turned

If want to read the rest please see my blog entry

Cheers
Phil

Some poems are stories, others are not. Mine tend to be cut-n-paste postmodernist lyrics with a side-dish of surrealism.

Since writing my last comment I have since revised my Blog submission 'Winter Dice'. I was givensome encouraging feed back from Clarrisa McKone (thank you).

l learnt that she also writes short stories, which has encouraged to convert my story/poem into a short story in its own right.

Now I know this is a poetry performance site, but some of the gigs have singers sharing their wonderful talents. This got me thinking that this site champions the written as well as the performed work. Now my question is this should or could this site have a page available for short stories?

These would not necessarily be performed but it wold give anavenue for the story/ poetry writer to attain feed back. Links could also be placed an this site. I myself am re-writing 'Winter Dice' into a short story.

An improvement of this sort would enhance WOL's credentials as an important must have site for writers?


What do you think?

Phil