A Commentary On Comments

Melancholy days, listless, all through
Then, out of the blue,
A comment comes along to cheer you

My friends, I feared I had reached the end
Those words, once so lively and hale
Now crumble, numb, on my tongue
Tasteless and stale
Repetitive rut, creative gangrene
(Seriously, how many similes
for sunsets can there be?)
No flair to wear, no colors seen

Then kindness, unexpected, left in a note
A flicker, stirring, a melody spoke

Your remarks can mean more than they seem
A trickle, then sparks into a flowing stream

So when the page is blank, the well is dry
With a little help from my friends to get by
Perhaps - I can give it - one more try.

10/04/19
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Watt Avatar
August 25, 2020 at 10:43 PM
Michelle, your comments have had that effect on me when the inkwell is empty and the muse is on mute. Your poetry inspires as well, with your creative, careful approach and thoughtful themes. Thank you for both, and the underpinning friendship that keeps me bouncing between reading, writing, and commenting. Wonderful words ~ John
Watt Avatar
August 27, 2020 at 10:48 PM
That gives encouragement to all who leave comments that maybe theirs will the one that resuscitates a discouraged soul, or that jolts a little spark into a comatose muse. I always love your comments, and collectively they have had that effect on my writing.
Faulkner Avatar
August 27, 2020 at 9:50 PM
I was in a serious creative drought, and was considering 'retiring' from Poetrysoup, then I got such a nice comment, which inspired me to pick up my pen again - and your comments always pick me up!
King  Avatar
March 19, 2020 at 10:19 PM
Deep and a good read
Peterson Avatar
October 19, 2019 at 7:19 PM
Indeed, the remarks of friends keep me going—trying just one more time and exerting myself towards something of ageless relevance. I wrote a poem called “Forgotten Words” with similar intent. A poet here once told me I saved his life with a comment he read on the morning he had resolved to surrender. We never know. Your words are very well spoken.
Hamilton Avatar
October 15, 2019 at 8:35 PM
Well said words of truth. We all get discouraged and the well may run dry, but encouraging words in comments can spark the fire of inspiration. Hard to write when one is discouraged for sure. I try to comment every day, even to ones that are new and not well known! Keep writing we love it!
Theraven Avatar
October 12, 2019 at 10:47 PM
Michelle, Did you know that words can heal? Your words have done just that. Thank you, truly. -Richard
Allison Avatar
October 10, 2019 at 8:18 AM
I have a huge smile Michelle, love the phrase 'creative gangrene and may your ink continue to spill just one comment can make all the difference:-) Hugs Jan xx
Wolf Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 11:18 PM
Is this poem of the day yet?! (If not, why not?!)... Michelle, this is such a moving poem. You were moved, and you have succeeded in moving me; I can't imagine that you haven't moved others, perhaps many, many others. Bravo! Warmest wishes, Gershon
Adams Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 3:45 PM
I can totally relate to this, as many can I'm sure. It seems so easy until it's not! I had the bottom fall out not to long ago, creatively speaking. I wrote a poem to bow out and let "real" poets take over. You are one of the ones that keep me going! You are a Favorite of mine and this is FAV for me! Keep writing dear friend! Patrick
Mcferran Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 3:27 PM
You describe this so well... and I appreciate all your lovely comments- you've always been a wonderful encouragement to me! ;)
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 2:34 PM
Hello Michelle Faulkner, so nice to meet you.Yes you have done very well with this poem. Have a nice day my friend.
Proxenos Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 10:57 AM
Your poetic flair rocks Michelle , Your words in this poem are brilliantly chosen and woven - keep on doing what you're doing and add to your chain of gems. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Awtry Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 11:26 PM
creative gangrene-what a phrase! Yes Keep writing dear poet!
Lamoureux Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 5:45 PM
Keep writing, your poems are word worthy. Hugs Rick.
Faulkner Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 8:28 PM
Thank you so much for your supportive words, Rick!
Leffanta Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 5:03 PM
How does it go, "Michelle, ma belle, all the rest can go to Hell?" Write it out, don't let it fester! Aloha! Rico
Faulkner Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 8:27 PM
You are encouraging in such a fun way, Rico, it means a lot!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 3:29 PM
How evocative and sweet. Tender hugs for your muse ~xomo
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 5, 2019 at 8:22 PM
<3
Faulkner Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 8:21 PM
It does lift my spirit to hear from you, thank you, Maureen!
Green Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 3:12 PM
This poem I know will resonate with many on here. I know I try to comment as much as possible and always try to seek out a new poet who might not have any followers and leave them a nice comment so they don't feel left out. I hope your heart touching poem Michelle prompts others to do the same.
Faulkner Avatar
October 4, 2019 at 8:20 PM
Yes, it can really leave an impact, and I can tell you have a generous heart, Chris-
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