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Final Word

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I began writing poetry in 2006 after being influenced by the Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park fame. When I read I, Too by Langston Hughes it lit a fire in me and made me realize poetry was a way I could express myself to the world. I began writing five line limericks that gradually evolved into deeper and longer poetry. I won't lie. I never imagined when I first began in 2006 that it would become the passion it did for me. I never imagined I would be published in high school, then college, and finally have 3 poems published in anthologies here. I never quite felt like I deserved these things though. I'm just a shy and quiet guy who has always struggled to articulate how I really feel in vocal form. Poetry was the vehicle that enabled me to speak more deeply than I ever could have otherwise. But for several years I have struggled. I'm never quite satisfied with anything I write. Even the things I share. For every poem I've shared here there are dozens I did not. I began to feel like the rhymes were the same, the messages were the same, and nothing really measured up to things I had written in the past. 

But if I've learned one thing in this life it's to never say never. So while this is intended to be a final work of sorts maybe one day that flame will be relit. But even now as I share this poem I feel like it should be better. But sadly these were the last words I could find. I want to send a special thank you to anyone who has ever read, shared, and commented on my works. I have always greatly appreciated these acts of kindness. And my biggest hope is that maybe my poetry touched people's lives the way that many poems touched mine. 

After eighteen years Of sharing thoughts and fears Enthusiasm no longer drips from my pen And I'm afraid it never will again I was just a boy when I began this path Sharing all of my anguish and wrath But the flame inside me has finally died And I feel like my tongue is tied I accomplished more than I thought I would And certainly more than I thought I could But the harder I try the more I doubt For the light has finally gone out All I ever wanted was to be heard Writing painful word after painful word Alas this is the final time I shall speak in a rhyme The memories are simmering And my cheeks are shimmering And deep down I'm shivering I just can't keep delivering For years this moment was on my mind And I know not what legacy I leave behind But I wrote out of love for this craft But to continue to force it would be daft Langston Hughes lit the flame of my muse Sylvia Path taught me to express my blues I, too wanted to decipher who I was As it all fades like an alcoholic buzz I'm not sure how many will care But this is the Final Word I have to share I leave behind a tapestry of thoughts and fears And say goodbye after eighteen years

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 7/12/2024 11:09:00 AM
Hello Christopher I have read your poetry many times. i have commented on I am sadden you have to stop. I also hope you will return. sorry to see you go. I will miss you. /Darlene/
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Date: 7/12/2024 8:29:00 AM
Oh Christopher l don’t think l have read your poetry before today and l am disappointed and sorry about that….you have been writing poetry a long time….its sad you have decided to stop and this is your final word. I do hope your flame is relit one day and l see you again on P.S….l will keep a look out!! Be happy….Debx
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