Paraprosdokian Poem

Paraprosdokian specifically refers to a figure of speech -- a surprise ending. 

That being the case, the sole requirement of a paraprosdokian poem is that it have an unexpected conclusion, so there is no requisite style.  The device can be melded into any style or type of poem. 


The "The Owl-Critic" by James T. Fields is an excellent example of a poem utilizing this style.


... and here's Billy Collins' Another Reason I Don't Keep a Gun in the House: <---audio link


Another Reason Why I Don't Keep A Gun In The House
^{by Billy Collins}

The neighbors' dog will not stop barking. 
He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark 
that he barks every time they leave the house. 
They must switch him on on their way out. 

The neighbors' dog will not stop barking. 
I close all the windows in the house 
and put on a Beethoven symphony full blast 
but I can still hear him muffled under the music, 
barking, barking, barking, 

and now I can see him sitting in the orchestra, 
his head raised confidently as if Beethoven 
had included a part for barking dog. 

When the record finally ends he is still barking, 
sitting there in the oboe section barking, 
his eyes fixed on the conductor who is 
entreating him with his baton 

while the other musicians listen in respectful 
silence to the famous barking dog solo, 
that endless coda that first established 
Beethoven as an innovative genius.