Notes About The Poem

From my recent series Mountainless Poetry (AKA Plain Poetry)

 

 

Failing My Tools

High up here,
amid this cold and alone,
my tools might best be
forgiven if they've
long-since forgot
that they deserve better.

But the only lips my teacup
have known are my blurburing two.

The only ink my brush has known
has been that scolded into some
sorrowful form on this not-mulberry rock.

The only skin this robe has known
was that of this persistent perpetrator.
It's yet to feel a worthy monk; the only sage its known
is the sage I've crumbled into my pestle
in pitiably inchoate mockery of an apothecary
when my knee went turned and grew as big
as my dreams.

The only ears or heart my poems have reached
up here, in this thin air,
have been,
has been my own -
Source and resting place of my 
ignoble offerings.

I forgive my cup.
I forgive my robe.
I forgive my brush.
I forgive my flesh.

It never knew better.
It always deserved better.
It never knew better.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Watson Avatar
April 11, 2017 at 4:41 PM
Thank you so very much. Phrases are like mulch - they benefit and fertilize the ground (of our being) by frequent turning. :)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 5, 2017 at 9:06 AM
I love the depth and simplicity in this piece and your very creative turn of phrase: the only sage its known... Awesome. :) xomo
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