I don't care

Apathetic verse is one realm of poetry that has largely gone unresearched. The primary reason, I believe, is that most people don't care. Another good reason, I suppose, is that hardly anyone has ever heard of apathetic verse. This category of verse is illustrated by the following example: ''Are you apathetic?'' She asked in some despair. He indifferently replied: ''I don't know and I don't care.''

Another delightful bit of apathetic verse is found in Elizabeth Cameron's captivating volume, ''A Floral A B C.'' Round and round the ragged rocks, the ragged Robin ran. Say that many times, just as quickly as you can. Why the ragged Robin ran, and round those rocks did tear, I don't know, and you don't know, and neither do we care.

Another rhyme of unknown origin (to me) transcends mere apathy to sheer apathy. Do you love me, or love me not? You told me once, but I forgot.

Some might wish to place Gelett Burgess's famed purple cow reflections in the niche of apathetic verse. But I would argue that it is on the fringe at best, and offer the verse as evidence: I never saw a Purple Cow, I never Hope to See One, But I can Tell You Anyhow I'd rather See than Be One.

Mr. Burgess was clearly not indifferent. He points out he does not care to see a purple cow, and he definitely does not want to be one.

There are probably many other examples of apathetic verse, but I don't know any more, and I don't care to spend further time and effort researching the topic. At this point you have probably reached the same level of indifference. So, presuming that you don't care, I will conclude the subject with one last example which I just remembered: To further pursue apathetic verse Would be like splitting hairs, So let's put an end to it here and now For neither of us cares.