It’s MTB (Meeting the Bar) night over at the dVerse Poets Pub. “Opening lines” is the theme:
So come on poets, join me at the beginning. Let’s find that best first line:
- see if you can hook yourself a new reader with upfront vivid images and unusual word use
- maybe stick with tradition (starting top left) or forge out in a new direction, maybe even a one line, or even a one-word poem (though please read the article that I’ve linked to Saroyan’s poem)
- perhaps try your hand at some found poetry, make something shapely or striking or something off the fridge
- or perhaps a poem beginning with a line by a poet who’s provoked or enthralled or charmed or annoyed you (don’t forget to link to the original poem in your post).
I chose a line (also the title of a book) by one of my favorite poets, Charles Bukowski, of blessed memory. Love is a Dog from Hell.
Love is a dog from Hell.
Unpredictable. Lecherous. Vainglorious.
Biting you in the ass
when you least
deserve it, then rolling
over for a tummy rub —
lips curled back in a toxic smile
flashing switchblade-sharp fangs,
yet promising this time
will be different; this time
I won’t shred your arm or
rip your heart out.
You know better
but take the chance anyway.
Pondering your mangled heart
as it lie puddle-chunked on the floor
you remember (again):
Love is a dog from Hell.
Ergo, the Ogre 
Tell it like it is