and pen by my bedside table
so that when I woke from sleep
I could jot down my dreams
but I rarely remember them
unless they are frightening
and I flee from them
to the waking world
instead I daydream
and make up stories
and on occasion I manage
to tell a story
that is inspiring to others
or so they tell me
there have been stories
of strange, enchanting lands
where the people sleep
beguiled by the lotus
there have been stories of bold heroes
with torsos bulging with muscles
alluring maidens who wait for the hero
or go off on their own quests
a devious villain to antagonize
the hero or heroine
what is incomparable
is not the pleasure of writing
because it's not just play
I work at it
more than I care to admit
but the joy of reading
what others have created
and I take immeasurable pleasure
in reading the comments
on what I've written
that is what is incomparable
the kinship of readers and writers
none of whom are my actual kin
just kindred spirits
/ / /
This poem was written in response to the Incomparable prompt at Writer's Island, using the words from Wordle 8 at The Sunday Whirl.
Addendum: This poem also works for the cocktail of words prompt at We Write Poems.
How beautiful and true...I feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteWith this poem, you are a mouthpiece for many. Your talent shines here, as always. So happy to read you. So happy to tell you so.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, thank you. It is a beautiful thing. Thanks for being part of it for me.
ReplyDeleteRichard
Kim, I'm glad to hear that this speaks to others. I'm happy to read your kind and thoughtful words. Thank you. I look forward to reading more of your poems.
ReplyDeleteRichard
You wrote a unique response to the wordle words. I don't remember what I dream either unless it is something frightening that awakens me.
ReplyDeleteYes, kindred spirits indeed. A family of poets is a special kind of family indeed!
Mary, thank you. I thought I was just about the only one; people sometimes talk about their dreams, and I almost never do.
ReplyDeleteI like that, "a family of poets".
Richard
I can totally relate, Richard! I keep a notebook & pencil next to my bed, and I try to keep one in the glove box in my car and sometimes I go so far as to leave a notepad next to the shower. Inspiration always comes when I'm in the shower! Sometimes it's an entire line or maybe just one word. I am so impressed with your use of the wordle words, so different from the direction I went with them. And that is part of the fun for me. I love to see how others use the very same words. So inspiring and energizing! Well done!
ReplyDeleteRichard, your point about the kinship of writer and reader is a very important one. We do write not just to be read, but to share our stories with others and look for their stories in return. As more and more of us blog, the distinction between reader and writer blurs to the point where we're always both, and that's an exciting place to be.
ReplyDeleteMarianne, I've taken to keeping a small notebook with me all the time. I'm trying to capture things I notice for the small stones thing in July. I get ideas in the shower too - and when I'm driving. Yeah, the wordles are fun because we all come up with something, and they're usually so different. The reading is always exciting.
ReplyDeleteRichard
Francis, thank you for your thoughtful comments. I agree; it is an exciting place to be. Thanks for being part of it.
ReplyDeleteRichard