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A Poet Without Inspiration

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The wait seemed eternal to feel inspiration. Minutes were mountains as each one ticked by, my hand poised grasping a pen, and then seated without hitting one stroke on a key. A closed mind submits nothing, zero and zilch in a life that's been deeply anchored in the annals of an abyss shrouded by opacity. Somewhere between midnight's noirs and the misty grey flow of morning fog, I'd fallen into a cavern, deprived of light. I'd built a bulwark fortress that fenced me in and the key to my cell... held in my own hand. I brandished a pen that became a sharpened sword that hacked and sliced at my every written word. My dreams were gone, along with life's sensation. No wonder I could not find a cause for inspiration. A poet who doesn't write is of no use, none at all. I stood at the edge of a cliff ~ should I jump or fall? Sounds of laughter caught the attention of my ears and through eyes blurred by tears, I saw children running along the water's edge. Hesitant, I decided to watch them from upon the ledge. I sat atop the cliff with legs overhanging that day, wishing I was a child of ten again to join in their play. "Well, poet," spoke my muse. "Are you a withered bloom?" A scolding for thinking of naught but notions of doom A flurry of fussing she threw at me, hassling like a Harpy. Exactly what I needed for living in doldrums of gloom. "Now, see what you've done," she was decidedly terse! "Your burden is that you always begin in free verse but always end up writing lines ending in rhyme. You continually do that. Time after time." My laughter was louder than the children at play who stopped traipsing in the surf to look up my way. A wave of my hand and down to the beach I ran. Inspiration filling me like waves crashing upon the sand.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 1/4/2024 12:51:00 PM
This is an oldie... Nice imagery.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/4/2024 4:26:00 PM
Yes, it is an old one. Written not long after I joined the soup, when we were friends. Thanks for the placement.
Date: 3/23/2016 1:12:00 PM
I thought the ending was wonderful. I am so glad you chose to end it in a nice way instead of ending it off the cliff. I can relate to this. It seems that sometimes the harder we try to write the worst it is to find the words that we consider what we want to express. Sometimes when we don't make the effort it comes to us. Also sometimes our feelings if depressed or angered they cloud our thoughts and take away our ambition to write. We are emotional creatures. A very insightful write Lin.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/23/2016 2:27:00 PM
I've been accused, in the nicest of ways, of being overly sensitive. But I've also been told by someone else that it's part of my make up. I agree that when we TRY to write about something specific, thoughts don't flow as easily or quickly as when ideas come unbidden. Thanks so much for visiting me today, Michael.
Date: 3/22/2016 9:53:00 PM
The innocents and bliss of children at play often bring fertile grounds to uplift and inspire. Much enjoyed poem! Love rhymes. Peace, Love and Joy
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/23/2016 1:49:00 AM
Hi, John. Thank you so much for such nice comments.
Date: 3/22/2016 7:16:00 PM
When I need a "hit" for inspiration, I'll come to this write! Reading this is inspirational! Thank you! :-)
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 7:35:00 PM
Thanks, Walter, and your comment inspires me.
Date: 3/22/2016 5:22:00 PM
Nice narrative, made me smile. I like the manner in which you have transitioned from free verse to rhyme...am I to understand it that you have a proclivity for rhyming? J.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 6:01:00 PM
You do indeed understand correctly, J. ;) Thanks so much for reading and commenting on this one.
Date: 3/22/2016 4:37:00 PM
This is fantastic, Peaches. Everyone can relate to this. You might want to close the blinds, your brilliance has been exposed! Peace my dear friend:)
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Daniel Turner
Date: 3/22/2016 4:48:00 PM
You might be surprised!
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 4:46:00 PM
ha Danny. Thanks so much, but my blinds stay open. That light won't 'blind' anyone.
Date: 3/22/2016 4:17:00 PM
Love this. Totally get it. I went many years without writing. Made me feel empty. Life is better doing the things you love.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 4:45:00 PM
Oh my, Christine... years without writing! I'm glad your at it again and thank you for taking a moment to read and comment upon this one.
Date: 3/22/2016 4:11:00 PM
For lack of inspiration, I thought it was terrific. Who doesn't know that feeling? You need to experience it more often if this be the result...
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 4:44:00 PM
I've never been known to run out of words or inspirations, Charlie, not when life moves in all directions around me. I thank you profoundly for liking this one so well. This one was inspired by the phrase, midnight noir, and don't ask me where it came from...for I've no clue. It just popped into my noggin.
Date: 3/22/2016 3:49:00 PM
i really liked your poem and last line was fantastic :)
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/22/2016 4:42:00 PM
Thanks so much, Phoenix. I'm glad to receive your visit and your great comment.

Book: Shattered Sighs