Up

Up in the sky i saw a clock one time lost in time when had i any time to spare my time would be timeless forever i used to spend my time like pocket change time after time there was no time for time had i made time when time was free i might be freed of time's tyranny the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls... i will use my time looking up building up wising up growing up listening up tidying up speaking up owning up signing up teaming up lifting up dreaming up wrapping up till my time on earth is like the sky: Up written Apr 1980 revised Apr 2023

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John Stasukevich

Date: 5/27/2023 3:09:00 AM

Oh John, in my humble opinion, this is a bold display of sheer talent. I love the shape. This poem is uplifting, no pun intended. A fav for me. Stunning! Blessings ~ John

Joanna Daniel

Date: 5/7/2023 3:54:00 AM

Awesome work, John, congratulations:)

Suzette Richards

Date: 5/6/2023 10:51:00 PM

Congratulations, John, on your 3rd place win in my GRAFFITI contest. 'And the sign said, "The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sounds of silence".' Writer: Paul Simon - The Sound of Silence.

Suzette Richards
Date: 5/6/2023 11:19:00 PM

Just an aside: 'wrapping up "til" my time' ...

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/6/2023 7:23:00 PM

I spent my time like pocket change… Congratulations, John! Love the shape!

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 5/6/2023 12:53:00 PM

A great shape with supporting words inscribed John. I like this very much! Congratulations on your win! :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/6/2023 9:06:00 AM

Wow. Awesome, John. Congratulations.

Gary Radice

Date: 5/6/2023 6:02:00 AM

Great work John. Love the reference to 'The Sound Of Silence' :) I often read a poet's older poems and I'm so glad you entered this profound, clever poem into the contest. Cheers - Gary

L. J. Carber

Date: 11/26/2020 10:46:00 AM

This is very, very clever, John--congrats

Newton Ranaweera

Date: 11/24/2020 9:50:00 AM

congratulations, John, on your placement for this beautiful shape poems from your chapbook!!

Brian Strand

Date: 11/24/2020 4:27:00 AM

John,f you would like to soupmail a link thereto I'll add it to the thank you blog to Line

Constance La France

Date: 11/24/2020 3:43:00 AM

John, congratulations in Line's, Have You Published contest with this beautiful poem, each line, each word is amazing _Constance

Ann Gilmour

Date: 4/23/2020 11:13:00 PM

Wow John, this is astonishing, truly inspiring poetry that at 4.30 am here in the UK has encouraged me to look up at the sky from my balcony where I see Jupitor shining down like a gorgeous morning gift! Your words too are a gift and I thank you. Like you I spend a great deal of time marvelling at the sheer beauty of our sky and it never disappoints. Your poem is a FAV for me John.With kindest thoughts Ann xx

John Watt
Date: 4/23/2020 11:35:00 PM

Ann, you are my sky sister! Soupmail me a list of your own poems that are your favorites written about the sky. I'll read 'em! Thanks for the FAV!

Indiana Shaw

Date: 3/24/2020 11:20:00 AM

A maestro of shape you are, John, with the powerful words to follow them up . . . ; )

John Watt
Date: 3/24/2020 11:27:00 AM

Indy, thank you very much for going back in the time machine to this early post. I see what you did there (follow them UP). Your words are cherished ~ John

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/16/2020 9:14:00 PM

John, I must say that I truly enjoyed this riveting and inspiring poem. From the shape, to the repetition of words used to ingenious effect, to the message and again, to the last line leaving a lasting impression with a strong 'aha' moment.. as I said in my comments on 'The Poem Is', you are the master of the impactful last line. Warmest wishes, dear poet.. ~Susan PS: you chose a great work of art for your poetic inspiration :)

John Watt
Date: 3/17/2020 12:47:00 AM

Susan, giver of lavish commentary and warm, encouraging words, I thank you! Not just for taking the time to read deeply into each poem and distill its inner meaning, but for warming my heart with such uplifting support. I appreciate your kind words on the 'aha' moment. It's not conscious, but it does seem to be a defining pattern. Glad you enjoy the Dalí piece as I do. Love your words. Hugs ~ John

Line Gauthier

Date: 3/13/2020 10:51:00 PM

I love your line 'i used to spend my time like pocket change" but I particularly love your very effective use of each and every word "up"~ well done, John.

John Watt
Date: 3/13/2020 11:07:00 PM

So glad you were able to see this, Line! Thank you for gracing it with your visit and "up"lifting words.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/1/2020 5:21:00 PM

I like the symbolism of time portrayed in the shape, John!! Our Earthly Up gets very small but also UP should be quite rewarding once we face our end!!

John Watt
Date: 3/1/2020 5:30:00 PM

I like where you went with this!

Jan Allison

Date: 5/26/2016 4:32:00 PM

what a wonderful shape poem - really like your style John:-) hugs jan xx

John Watt
Date: 5/27/2016 6:00:00 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Jan. e-hugs to you!

Pam Deremer

Date: 5/26/2016 4:25:00 PM

I liked your poem.

John Watt
Date: 5/27/2016 6:00:00 PM

Pam, thank you for reading and commenting.