WHO’D WIN?

By Sriradha Dasa | 3G

The following poem is written in the couplet format. According to Poetry Foundation [1], a
couplet is defined as “A pair of successive rhyming lines, usually of the same length. A
couplet is ‘closed’ when the lines form a bounded grammatical unit like a sentence.” The
main purpose of a couplet is to make a lasting impression with the reader and this is achieved
by the use of rhyme and rhythm. The use of couplets can be seen in the work of William
Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, among other prominent authors of the time.

Nested in the forest, satiated without bother,

Lives Gros-jean, Mi-jean, Ti-jean and mother.

Their happiness, so pure, wasn’t sure to endure

When the bolom came knocking – clickle-klackle – on their door.

A deal with the devil, why’d they make it?

For wealth and property, if they submit

To the Planter’s desire, you have no say.

There’s no room for anger. Just make it through the day.

Gros-Jean the strong, Gros-Jean the brute,

Didn’t stand a chance with his proud repute.

Poor Frog – too bad he’s ugly

I’m sure he would’ve survived though, he’s not a dummy.

Underappreciated and overworked, he couldn’t take a joke.

And to wrap up this brother, he was gobbled down. No smoke.

Mi-Jean the smart, Mi-Jean the cool,

Didn’t stand a chance although he ‘went to school’.
 Outwitted by a goat, nothing but a joke!
Do you think he’ll survive? Let’s vote.

The Devil in disguise, a planter on the rise.

You can’t beat him in an argument... trust me, Mi-Jean tried!

Ti-Jean the youngest, Ti-Jean the brave.

Took his mother’s blessings to not end up in the grave.

Kindness to the Frog, compassion for the bolom.

All ensured his fate wasn’t solemn.

Using his tricks and strategies, non-compliance and faculty,

The devil was dethroned. Victory to Humility!

[1] : Couplet. “Couplet.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/learn/glossary-

terms/couplet. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.