Written 8 May 2026
Submitted to Obsession Poetry Contest Sponsored by Seth Pina
Submitted to 1470 Poetry Contest Sponsored by Brian Strand
it clutches me a soft murmur at first then a persistent hum within the ears a need to carve to create into being what doesn't yet exist a feverish urge an obdurate obsession to shape unseen silhouettes beyond the generic shine my hands jerk even in sleep imagining brushstrokes that paint with clay with thoughts like tangled vines climbing the walls of my mind seeking in the sky a long-lingering lantern lighting my being with the fire of inspiration the world outside fades its edges blurred its pressing voices drowned by this passion a song of creation a siren's call promising solace a momentary peace as this obsession is obdurate does not truly fade it endures as a coiled spring for the next clue the next irresistible impulse to build, to write, to paint to sculpt the air into something tangible something that breathes a hunger that can`t be sated a thirst that can`t be quenched caught in the web of this obdurate obsession I engage myself to the toil of creating irrespective of price to pay for in the act of carving I feel most alive being myself even as I am consumed this unyielding urge this burning flame shapes me to who I am as I try to carve for the world whether or not it greets the piece of art the string of words with lenient eyes or considerate ears across time and space.
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