In Defense of Poetry

How else to tell you
	of the movement of
the universe that sets my world to tilt?

Where spatial acuity and intuitive thinking fall down
and weep
at the feet of blank spaces and odd numbers begging
direction

I scratch for description of the structure of blue ink
on pulp paper . . .
the humidity of black seas on windless nights,
	the way my lips sometimes speak
in dry dust

For the latitude of line and length, the way I like
how they intersect, conjoin,
tear apart . . . forever changed
yet spent
of further locution

And still I dream
I can hear the world
running out of time and tolerance for
small words
. . .  for small minds ~

The measure of meter and moments
sit in whimpering, drying ink
falling off the edge of sense and
sensibility

How else to tell
you
       who cannot hear?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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George   Avatar
September 2, 2020 at 1:37 AM
Just stopping in to say hello, dear Jill. It has been a long, long time. Hope all is well with you. I think of you from time to time.
Mac Donald Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 10:47 AM
Interesting write, Jill. Perhaps a prophetical world where intellect is sustained by 'intuitive' reason, and rules are reset to accommodate then conquer this outdated manner of thinking? Hope to see you back posting; this offers many brightly substantial ideas we need to assimilate. Keep well, best wishes, Mikki
Makama Avatar
January 24, 2014 at 4:19 PM
What a great poem. Its nice reading your piece once again. Keep on writing please.
A   Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 3:17 AM
Jill--Dropping by with SMILES and CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Thank You for making this a great year for ALL OF US. --- May magic fill your days and all your dreams come true this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS <3 Love Linda -The Sweetest Poet Destroyer
Brown Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 7:41 AM
When I click on one of your poems I know it will be amazing Jill. Thank you for sharing your words with us. I hope all is well with you and yours. I will stop back again soon. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
December 20, 2011 at 7:04 AM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours Jill. Love and blessings, Carol
Loveless Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Please get as many people as possible to read Hush Missing Child <3
Ryerson Avatar
February 21, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I just happened to stumble across your poems by pure accident. Wow...sure glad I did! This one captures the very essence of writing poetry...'the way my lips sometimes speak in dry dust'...Mercy me! What a line! - Tim
Nelson Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 11:16 PM
hey jill, oddly enough i had to think for several seconds about what to say after i read this, my mouth formed the word wow, and my eyes smiled at the layout, this is another gem
Brown Avatar
July 16, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Hello Jill, I do miss your writing here at the Soup. I am walking through my favorite list today and find some have left and taken their poetry with them. It was nice to read some of your poetry again today. Hope life is treating you well. Love and blessings to your and yours always, Carol
Goff Avatar
March 27, 2009 at 12:58 PM
this poem really answers the title! love it!
Devonshire Avatar
February 26, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Jill, although you wrote this poem for one "who cannot hear," your words are alive with frustration and angst. Wonderful work! Carolyn
Rhinem Avatar
February 21, 2009 at 8:23 AM
....since the very first time that I laid eyes upon Your gifted and beautiful words!!!~And this write here, is no less greater!!!~So, "Excellent Write, Within Abounding Ways!!!"~Wherever "You" Are?~"My Love & Warmth To You & Your Loves Always Dear Jill Martin, John!!!":)~Bye Dear Lady!:)
Rhinem Avatar
February 21, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Poetry, for the most part, is for the worlds eyes....where as, "Faith," in its entirety, if pointed towards "The One & Only God!!!"~Is eternally for Heaven to behold!!!~"This," would be My defense...." Hello Precious & Beautiful Jill Martin!!!"~ Smile~I sincerely hope that life has been treating You wonderfully dear lady!!? ~I can see that "You" still have that amazing gift of pen~Smile~one that I have 'Always' admired and sincerely loved!!!....cont....
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