Boxed In

“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it." Vincent Van Gogh


They tell you ‘Think outside the box’
So, ponder well, pull up your socks
Avoid the danger of clichés, 
Don’t overdress with mayonnaise
Explore what lies beyond the rules
Create your own poetic tools 
Delve in each corner of the mind
Where inspiration you will find.
Illumination ~ thump of fist:
That’s it! Eureka! What a twist!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Buzzwords Poetry Contest
Hosted by Kim Rodrigues
         Placed 2nd
© 18th January, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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

Volumes Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 5:20 PM
Paul, in my mind, you could not have said it better if you tried to nail jelly to a fence.
Callus Avatar
June 25, 2022 at 10:52 AM
Thank you, Wendy :) It's been a while since I last heard that idiom! Regards // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 10, 2022 at 2:32 AM
I am happy to see this on the winner’s list Paul. Congratulations on your win. Blessings xxoo
Callus Avatar
March 13, 2022 at 12:06 AM
Thank you dear Connie. I am also pleased to see your entry on the winners' list. Warm regards and blessings // paul
Rodrigues Avatar
March 9, 2022 at 12:34 PM
A funny one, Paul! Congratulations!
Callus Avatar
March 12, 2022 at 11:53 PM
Thank you, Kim. Have a nice day. Regards // paul
Delaney Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Excellent play with Buzzwords, Paul. I love the advice to delve into each corner of the mind. Best, SuZ
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 11:42 AM
Thank you for your pleasant feedback, Suz. Lovely to see you posting again. Hope life is treating you well, my friend. Regards // paul
May Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Very nicely penned Paul, best wishes in the Contest
Callus Avatar
February 15, 2022 at 10:29 AM
Thank you, Joseph. So far the contest has not been judged, but your wishes are appreciated. Regards // paul
Brown Avatar
January 23, 2022 at 4:44 PM
Enjoyed, Well written... Blessings ~ Debra
Callus Avatar
February 15, 2022 at 10:30 AM
Glad you enjoyed, Debra...thank you. Blessings // paul
Mcconnell Avatar
January 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Great pen Paul, really good imagery and insightful expression too. How's winter in Malta? It's really getting colder here in Scotland. Take care always,Gordon
Callus Avatar
February 15, 2022 at 10:32 AM
Thank you, Gordon. So far winter is better than expected; in fact we've been having lovely sunny weather, though the temperature goes down at night. Regards // paul
Nicole Avatar
January 22, 2022 at 7:29 PM
My favorite line is this: "Think outside the box." It's so wonderful. :) I know this to be true, because I do it all the time. There is another thought that held my attention: "Avoid the danger of clichés." Wise words indeed, my dear sweet friend. Once again, you have created a Masterpiece. Keep thinking outside the box, because I enjoy when you scribble outside the lines. :) Hugs, Brandy
Callus Avatar
February 15, 2022 at 10:35 AM
I do enjoy your pleasant visits and words of encouragement, Brandy :) Thank you for stopping by with a smile. Warm regards & Hugs // paul
Sands Avatar
January 22, 2022 at 6:49 AM
This is brilliant Paul! Well done :)
Callus Avatar
February 10, 2022 at 11:14 AM
Glad you like it, Heidi! Thank you! Regards // paul
Buhagiar Avatar
January 22, 2022 at 6:25 AM
You are very good for short poems. I'm not unfortunately. This is a perfect example and wish you a high rating. Victor
Callus Avatar
February 10, 2022 at 11:07 AM
Thank you for stopping by, Victor. I hope you are keeping well. Best regards // paul
Horsman Avatar
January 21, 2022 at 10:23 PM
A recipe of clever poetry. Love this. Paul
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 7:38 AM
Thank you, my friend. Best regards // paul
Lawrence Avatar
January 21, 2022 at 2:21 PM
Perfect rhyme in time … I love it and the passion behind it ! I love the last line as well as delve in each corner of the mind where inspiration you will find ! Hugs to you my friend , Susan :)
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 7:33 AM
Thank you for, yet again, another enjoyable and pleasant visit, Susan. Your feedback is always appreciated. Hugs // paul
Andresen Avatar
January 21, 2022 at 7:19 AM
- ... this is how it should sound, Paul :) - Excellent :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 6:09 AM
Thank you for the "excellent" and faith you show in this humble poem of mine, Anne-Lise! Hugs // paul
Daniel Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 6:27 AM
Enjoyed your little poem, Paul:) very clever indeed:)
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 6:04 AM
Thank you, Jo. Glad you enjoyed :) Best regards // paul
Deo Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 3:28 AM
Yet positivity throughout ( I tried recently, but my metpoem was far from POS+). Thx for good example.
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 6:00 AM
Thank you for a welcome sincere visit, Anil. Unfortunately I don't always follow my own recommendations! :) Best regards // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Wow Paul….I will bet this is exactly what she had in mind when creating this contest. Your clever entry should come in at the top or real close. Brilliant! Blessings xxoo
Callus Avatar
February 8, 2022 at 5:56 AM
You are too kind, my friend :) Thank you! ~ Warm regards // paul
Wolf Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 6:12 PM
I love how this write totally blasted off at the end! Knocked my socks off, gw
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 12:49 PM
Thank you, Gershon! Glad you enjoyed it. Best regards // paul
Y. Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 5:15 PM
WoW! Paul, This is a good entry for the contest theme. It’s look a winner to me. Best wishes in the contest. I hope your New Year is going well thus far. Have a good evening-Alexis
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 12:48 PM
Thank you for your lovely reaction, Alexis! Your wishes are also appreciated. So far the new year is being kind to me :) Best regards // paul
Mcintosh Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Wonderful write. Love it. A sure winner. God bless you my friend. Love, Gina
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 12:22 PM
Thank you for the lovely comments and faith you show in my poem, Gina. Warm regards & blessings // paul
Lawless Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 8:31 AM
sounds like a millennial version of the "how do you get the goose out of the bottle" poser
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 12:11 PM
Still chuckling at your pleasant comment, John :) Thank you for stopping by. ~ Regards // paul
A   Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 7:42 AM
Hope you are enjoying 2022 so far, my good poetic friend. Hello & how have you been? Here, I am making a stop on poetry soup. :) Paul, I'm just glad you figured it out all by yourself. That is why I do the opposite of everything. I'm just weird like that. By the way, I love the ending. As always, never disappointed. You know me, I had to look you up, before I head out. All is well, have a wonderful day. Smile and say hi, when you have the chance. Always LOVE LINDA
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 12:03 PM
Hi Linda! It's good to have you stopping by; I told you once that I keep the kettle simmering just in case you visit on impulse :) Your long hiatus left a big void on Soup. Hope all is well on your side of the river. (I still follow Royale elsewhere). Hugs // paul
M  Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 7:29 AM
Love it Paul……really playful. Fun. Debx
Callus Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:35 PM
Thank you, Deb. Enjoy the weekend. // paul
Pandit Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 5:35 AM
Enjoyed your insights Paul. You found that exit in the ending.
Callus Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 5:58 AM
Thank you, Vijay. I decided to take a semi-witty take on this topic; hope it works for the sponsor :) Regards // paul
Bowden Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 3:20 AM
Hi Paul, I love this. Those Eureka moments are getting harder and harder for me. Good luck in the contest.
Callus Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 5:25 AM
Thank you on all counts, Craig. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace