Motivation
MOTIVATION
He smacked the desk in despair
Writer’s block a permanent feature in his limited world
Just the first sentence, not even a title yet
Words elusive, as if scared to appear on the page
And his own brain befuddled since his agent’s letter
That cancelled his contract for no apparent reason
Nor showing any sympathy or understanding
Of his plight, admitted and unchanged for months
But now, anger begins to bubble up like magma
Just the sort of trigger to resume this novel
Albeit the focus now has changed to be darker
A cold breath blows across his cowering senses
Waking them at last into stirring action
The words flow, not a trickle but fiercely gushing
Keys clattering, fingers now almost a blur
This new plot immodestly assumes a life of its own
Reaching down deep like solder in a metal’s crack
To begin a new scenario and even a new character
Emerging shirtless into the Queen’s bedroom
Desire clearly in evidence, first him then her
The script writes itself, as if in hot lead type
Setting new boundaries that are then broken
Until the King bursts in to see and sense that passion
That he so unable to command, initiate or to respond
Lends a ferocity to his reaction, drawing his dagger
That poses in lieu of any biology, however weak
Sheets are blood soaked, the realm in disarray
The King ushered away by concerned counsellors
Their advice for discretion of limited sustenance
The court hears rumours, quickly amplified
Mutterings and plots too easily overheard
Now the King is not present to greet visitors
Royalty from another land and a warring history
At this point, the writer takes a breath
Now sure of this novel’s working title
Scribbling it in old fashioned pen across the front page
Confident that this will change his fortunes
His agent may soon reverse his view and be convinced
But there is so much more now to be typed
What was a tall dam now may even break
Releasing ten thousand words and a haunting story
Copyright © Howard Osborne | Year Posted 2022
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