I'm trying to find a good "modern-day" poem that could fit a 5 minute monologue? Does anyone know of any?

Answer 1

Shel Silverstein's "The Great Smoke-Off." A rip roaring account of two dope fiends (one trying to roll joints faster than the other can smoke them). Not really acceptible for some situations but it will hold you audience's attention.

Silverstein did record a himself reciting the poem and it is featured in a few "Dr. Demento's Greatest Hits" collections. I think his version runs at close to six minutes, so pace yourself accordingly.

Answer 2

Garrison Keiller has a great book of poems, "Good poems for Hard Times." Check it out. I don't know if these are modern enough for you (they're 20th century), but I like anything by A.E. Houseman, Dorothy Parker and Robert Frost. If I was going to do a monologue, I would pick Frost's poem The Road Not Taken, and point out that TWICE during the poem he says that there's no difference between the two roads, but everyone remembers it like there is a difference, including the speaker in the poem.

Answer 3

first of all, i don't recommend "appearing" poems as monologues. The poet's "voice" is totally diverse from the playwright's "voice," and poems are meant to be study incredibly than complete. as an occasion, i've got seen a lot of scholars carry out Shakespearean sonnets while asked to do a classical monologue...they are appropriate poems, however the performances continuously tend to be slightly compelled and unnatural. Having reported all that...i've got seen T. S. Eliot's "the affection track of J. Alfred Prufrock" achieved as a dramatic monologue, and that i keep in mind that it worked tremendously plenty. that is probable longer than 5 minutes, yet you will possibly be able to desire to edit it down.