Matt Caliri | + Follow Poet |
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Core

Reinforce me, please.
I ask nice within the tension
Of every denizen,
As love languors so faintly,
And as I ask quite quaintly,
Please, please, oh, please reinforce me.

The things I say,
The things I do,
The things I think,
The things I chew.

All of it, reinforce. 
Reinforce the reinforcement.
Shower the praise
Until I'm soaked,
Then over-soak me.

I need to store it 
Like nuts for the winter,
This approval glow.
For there are times 
When this brook is barren.
And I forget I shouldn't have a carren
Of what other's think.

And, wet with wonder,
I remember we're all submarines
We either stink together or sink together.

What blasphemy,
The core of humanity.

Copyright © Matt Caliri | Year Posted 2023

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Ink Empress Date: 12/23/2023 5:21:00 AM That ending is brilliant! How you’ve said we are all submarines we either stink together or sink together. What a brilliant way to describe your thoughts. Its very unique and definitely not something we read everyday. So creative! And i felt the lines “ For there are times When this brook is barren. And I forget I shouldn't have a carren Of what other's think.” So sincere and poignant! Pleasure always reading your work. Hope holidays treat you well Login to Reply Matt Caliri Date: 12/23/2023 3:32:00 PM Thanks so much for your response. It's super reinforcing!

Silent One Date: 12/23/2023 4:02:00 AM Your poem skilfully blends humour, vulnerability, and metaphor to explore the universal desire for reinforcement and approval. The rhythmic flow and vivid imagery invite readers to empathize with the speaker's plea while encouraging contemplation on the nature of human connection and validation... Login to Reply Matt Caliri Date: 12/23/2023 3:33:00 PM Your critique gave me chills. Thanks for caring and sharing.