Thirteen Ways of Looking at Plagiarism
1. My mom helped me a little.
2. Thomas Jefferson wrote that?
3. I did not use ChatGPT.
4. I’m not allowed to use ChatGPT?
5. I don’t know who put my name on this.
6. Well, yes, that does look like my handwriting.
7. What’s the big deal, anyway?
8. What are you, a Communist?
9. What are you, a Republican?
10. It’s not like I robbed a bank or something.
11. The cat’s got my tongue.
12. May I have a glass of water?
13. The dog ate my homework.
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W. D. Ehrhart is author of Thank You for Your Service: Collected Poems (McFarland). His most recent collection is At Smedley Butler’s Grave (Moonstone).
This poem brought up memories of teaching writing in a high school. I might add, “If it’s on the Internet, it’s open for anyone to use.” Great and, sadly, funny poem.
Hahaha! I imagine this was written in response to a certain serial plagiarist that’s plagued and duped the lit mag scene. 😅