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Between the Shoulders

Right shoulder: Just don't overthink it, your first draft is fine Stop arranging and changing each poetic line A thesaurus for every last word is absurd Your soul speaks the truth to you - trust what you've heard. Left shoulder: Give me thought that entails more than just "heads or tails" Where chaos meets order and order prevails When meter and grammar are carefully tamed And a message with meaning emerges unmaimed. The bit in between: Is there some way to balance the raw and refined Intuition and logic - blend heart, soul, AND mind? This art is a craft though, it may take some time To convert good to better, or great to sublime. Written 25 Mar 2022

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Valsa George

Date: 4/16/2022 10:45:00 PM

I have been wondering what must be the cause of the argument between the right and left shoulders. I got the answer to it in your stanza "Is there some way to balance the raw and refined Intuition and logic - blend heart, soul, AND mind? This art is a craft though, it may take some time- " This proportionate blending of these elements in poetry is indeed a great art ! Beautiful, John

Gershon Wolf

Date: 3/14/2022 7:04:00 PM

Yup. Ain't it the truth... And then you read it the next day, and your balloon deflates, and you realize -- time to chuck it and start over again. At least, that's what happens to me way too often. ~ Frost R-Rated

Sam Kauffman

Date: 3/14/2022 12:14:00 PM

Congratulations John for this masterful metaphor clothed in the writing process that you make so transparent all of us can instantly relate to your words. Have read this several times. Love the image of the "yoke" that your words paint. Think of the verse "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - that place of balance between your shoulders. Amazing write. Wonderful to have you back in the soup swimming around with inspirational water wings for all of us to ride on! Out of the park!

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 3/12/2022 8:25:00 PM

Deep musings here, John! Let us adroitly balance polarities until one day melding with the current of The Absolute. Congrats on your win! Really enjoyed this one!

Christuraj Alex

Date: 3/12/2022 8:20:00 PM

Great nexus. Beautifully written. Congratulations!

Bill Baker

Date: 3/9/2022 8:05:00 AM

You have accomplished the message of balance between the shoulders, John. I'm in the throes of the left shoulder, right shoulder, dilemma with the way I write poetry. I'm trying to write more refined without losing the passion and rhythm of the thoughts from my heart and soul. This isn't easy for me. Thanks for the excellent example of a well-written poem. A poet friend, Bill

John Watt
Date: 3/9/2022 9:55:00 AM

Bill, I truly appreciate your thoughtful reply. I struggle with this too, but am hoping that the struggle is what makes us better writers... incorporating the full person in the poem. Thank you for coming along on the journey. Your friend ~ John

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 3/7/2022 7:08:00 PM

I cannot tell you how many times I've dealt with cold shoulders. Thank you so very much for this lovely "wake-up" call! All my best to you Lonna

John Watt
Date: 3/7/2022 11:32:00 PM

You're welcome, my friend. I appreciate the smile you brought to my face today. Enjoy your week ~ John

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 3/3/2022 3:04:00 PM

I always fear I'm over thinking things in my writing and fixating on a comma when I'm missing the paragraph (if you get what I mean) really love the 'right/left' sides of the coin (not sure why you had it as shoulder though?) And, as usual for you, the closing lines absolute perfection!

John Watt
Date: 3/3/2022 3:46:00 PM

Michelle, I think you and I are cut from the same perfectionism cloth that occasionally manifests in over thinking our writings... this poem represents a common internal dialog for me. As for the shoulders, I was hoping to allude to the old meme of a little angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other shoulder whispering opposing views in each ear. I took out the angel/devil because I was trying to avoid the inference that either one was good or bad. I suppose that obscured my allusion somewhat. Thanks for your encouraging comment! This kind of reminded me of our 'Science of the Heart' collaboration...

Alexis Y.

Date: 3/3/2022 11:38:00 AM

Wow! John, This is such a brilliant way to approach the contest theme. I echo what Andrea said. I found it to be thought-provoking as well. Best wishes in the contest. PS, Thanks for leaving such an awesome and encouraging comment on my " Color Blind" poem. It made my day. Have a nice day my friend-Alexis

John Watt
Date: 3/3/2022 10:57:00 PM

Alexis, I'm so happy my comment could make your day. Your comments have had that effect on me many times over, including today. Thank you so much for your visit, my friend ~ John

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/2/2022 9:18:00 PM

I had no idea how to approach this contest but i sure like the interesting way you approached it. I have mine ready to post, and I have no idea if it's what he is looking for. Anyway, I love seeing you here writing more often again.

John Watt
Date: 3/2/2022 9:53:00 PM

I look forward to reading your take on this theme. He left it kind of open, so I'm sure you'll do something awesome. Thanks for your sweet comment.

Gary Radice

Date: 3/1/2022 3:05:00 AM

This is just brilliant John and crying out to be read by many more. This really resonates with me as I'm often guilty of thinking too much about my poetry (leading to me deleting and republishing) I have found out to my cost that trying to be perfect each time can make a perfect poem imperfect. Overthinking can certainly get in the way of the thought process. I love the structure to this poem, its cadence and message. Cheers - Gary

John Watt
Date: 3/2/2022 9:58:00 PM

Your thoughts resonate with me, Gary. I am a recovering perfectionist and I need the first stanza as a reminder, but I feel any art is best when it involves the whole person, and sometimes passion expresses itself with patience and a willingness to "let the wine age gracefully". I truly enjoy your comments.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 2/27/2022 12:54:00 PM

hey john! i'd shrug both of those shoulders and just go with your gut, but i loved your take on the different ways to get to the final version...

John Watt
Date: 2/27/2022 3:03:00 PM

I have grown a lot in learning to trust my gut these last two years... by nature I am more of the analytical type, and a bit of a perfectionist so it can be a struggle. Thanks for the visit.