Get Your Premium Membership

Answer On a Bed of Nails

Should it be a poet's duty
To write solely about beauty?

A POET’S DUTY by BETH EVANS

ANSWER ON A BED OF NAILS

let me answer the quixotic brioche —
we all need a delicate pinch;
brachial bruising a warning

all the flowery talk dispels the magnitude
of cancer, the carbuncle of abuse,
the horrific salutations of the nazi regime

we march alone but also as a world
arm in arm, armed with insecticide
words like ants; a bench’s rash

a hose in diffusion’s spray
may try to paint the sky
in shades of love’s foray

turn it off; let flow subside
take a better look —
heart on a bed of nails

war of words; a twisting sword
let truth be the blood
that scores

because a poet can also whitewash
with parrots
mimic...mimic...mimicking 

seek your bellyache
examine, test, squander
all its savings

let cavalry of water fall
soaking wet
with poet’s ink

10/9/2020
Beth Evans’ A Poet's Duty Poetry Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 10/21/2020 1:44:00 PM
Hi Kim, an absolutely Crystal clear poem A juggernaut of poetic prowess, little wonder it’s a winner and deservedly so, Oozes quality cheers David
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 5:49:00 PM
Thank you so much, David!
Date: 10/21/2020 11:43:00 AM
Wow, this is stunning, Kim! So deserving of a top win. Congratulations! (A new fave for me.) Hugs, Carolyn
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 5:48:00 PM
Thank you, sweet friend!
Date: 10/21/2020 9:06:00 AM
Wonderful words, sweet lady. Congrats on your win and I appreciate your loving, tender spirit... it makes my heart beat with joy! You're a blessing to me. God bless you always
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 9:13:00 AM
As you are to me. My words are quick, having work to go to soon. God bless with a bug hug!
Date: 10/21/2020 7:34:00 AM
Strong write Kim.
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 8:09:00 AM
Thank you, James!
Date: 10/20/2020 11:12:00 PM
Wow! Congrats! God bless you.
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 4:53:00 AM
Thank you, Beata!
Date: 10/20/2020 9:05:00 PM
BIG CONGRATS to win TOP. Hugs.
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/21/2020 4:53:00 AM
Thank you, Anisha!
Date: 10/20/2020 7:11:00 PM
Had a feeling about this drum-banger, Kim. Congrats on your #1 win in the contest! Way to go! Blue Ribbon without the Beer, gw
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/20/2020 7:26:00 PM
Thanks for always bringing the humor! :)
Date: 10/13/2020 8:28:00 PM
Good luck in this contest. This missive was clever all the way through, as usual.
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/14/2020 9:33:00 AM
Thanks so much!
Date: 10/10/2020 9:18:00 AM
Enjoyed the read...Even in beauty there's sadness...we're living a complete life...
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/10/2020 9:41:00 AM
Yes, a complete life has both. Blessings to you, Arturo!
Date: 10/9/2020 11:25:00 AM
A poet should write on anything that inspires him/her, good or bad. light or dark so long as it is poetry. The reader will chose what strikes him best.~~
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/9/2020 1:52:00 PM
The writing is the poet and the reader takes it farther.
Date: 10/9/2020 11:21:00 AM
Whoa! Dripping with blood and violent passion, I like your hard right turn from flowery pap! Go, girl!! ~ Bang the drum loudly, Gershon
Login to Reply
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/9/2020 1:53:00 PM
LOL...thank you for giving me hearty laughs! I need them!

Book: Reflection on the Important Things