Poem by: J.R. Geiger
Genre: Humor
O crimson cup of plastic birth,
You rise from stacks with sudden mirth.
No crystal stem, no silver rim,
Laughter swells when filled to brim.
At picnics, tailgates, bonfire nights,
You stand in rows like guards in fights.
Not porcelain fine, nor goblet grand,
But steady you rest in every hand.
You cradle soda, beer, or punch,
You mark the rhythm of every lunch.
Like faithful steed at knight’s command,
You gallop through parties across the land.
Though mocked as cheap, disposable, plain,
You carry our joy through sun and rain.
And when the music fades away,
You lie crushed at break of day.
Even when broken, you still declare:
“I heard you laugh, I saw you care.”
O lowly cup, red as flame,
Unsung legend, unspoken name.
© Copyright 2025 J.R. Geiger. All rights reserved.
Regular reviews are a general comments about the work read. Provide comments on plot, character development, description, etc.
In-line reviews allow you to provide in-context comments to what you have read. You can comment on grammar, word usage, plot, characters, etc.
I love this. You have drawn attention to an unsung hero of many a fancy do. I like how you draw the reader into a sympathetic and grateful state of mind at this innocuous object. At the end, when the cup lies broken and squashed I did feel a little bit of sympathy and shame that it was cast away so thoughlessly.
Author
Reply
Thank you!
Yes, the lowly red Solo Cup is the unsung hero of many gatherings.
On a side note, this was inspired by the Toby Keith song "Red Solo Cup".
Hi JR. This is an excellent little "ode" if ever there was one. It's not often that one sees something so mundane as a red cup raised to a form of high art. Keep on rhyming.
Author
Reply
Thank you my friend!
The red Solo cup is truly the world's greatest unsung hero.
Great imagination for such a lowly object! Loved it. When I was a kid, my mom and dad, having lived through the Great Depression, threw nothing away. At family gatherings, my mother always used the red plastic cups. When people finished their meals, they'd throw them in Mom's big trash can on the back porch. But the next day, my mother would go through that trash, get those cups out, and wash them, as though they were glass. Something I've never forgotten, and your poem reminded me of those days!
Actually a good memory! Thanks, my friend!
Happy trails,
MJ
Author
Reply
I'm happy my ode reminded you of those times.
My grandmother did the same thing.
I think about it now and think... why not? If they're not cracked or have a hole, why not reuse them?
I saw the title of this piece and knew I’d have to read it. Took me back to my college days and the keg parties at the frat house. The perfect vessel for the brew! The only drawback: if you put it down, it was hard to recognize yours when you came back to it, so it never left your hand! Well done!
Jack
Author
Reply
Thank you SO much my friend!
I'm happy it brought back fond memories. At least the ones you can remember from the parties in college. LOL
Hey,
I just finished reading your story and honestly, wow! The way you built the world and the characters had my imagination running wild the whole time. It really felt like I could see the scenes play out like a movie.
I’m an artist who takes commissions for Webtoons, comics and manga. While reading your story, I couldn’t help but imagine how amazing it would look as a comic or webtoon. Your writing already has that cinematic energy that would translate perfectly into panels.
No pressure at all, but if you’d ever be interested in commissioning someone to bring your story to life visually, I’d love to be the one to do it.
If you are down or wanna see some of my work, you can reach me on Discord (eve_verse). Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Regards,
evelyn.
Hey
dude, I just read your story and WOW, my brain legit went into full cinema mode while reading, like I could literally see the scenes playing out lol.
I’m actually an artist, and I usually do commissions for Webtoons, Comics, Manga, Character Art and Cover Art. And honestly? Your story as a comic or webtoon would be NEXT LEVEL!
I’d be super hyped to bring it to life visually (no pressure at all, just thought it would be super dope). If you’re even a little curious or wanna check out my art, hit me up on Discord ( eve_verse ). Can’t wait to hear what you think abt the idea!
Regards,
evelyn.
Morag Higgins