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Once

Once I wrote a verse about an earthquake in the town
I also wrote in detail of a comet coming down
How many words of war and peace have issued from my pen
I wrote a superhero gran and then wrote her again
I’ve written words to make you laugh and some to make you cry
With lots of words about the bold and some about the shy
And when I had to find a word that rhymed well with Venus
I found a way to skip the awkward thought that passed between us

And yet I sit here now and cannot write a single letter
I feel as though I’m ailing and I hope I’ll soon be better
How can a pen so bountiful be so devoid of ink
How can a mind so fruitful find it difficult to think
How could I write an ode a day but now not one a week
It seems I’m in a trough and I shall never find a peak
I know I’m not alone and that the words I long to speak
Will spring forth very soon… or else I’m really up the creek

Copyright © Terry Flood | Year Posted 2022

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Ilene Bauer Date: 6/27/2022 11:48:00 AM Terry - if this is your example of not being able to write a poem, we are all in big trouble! Such a wonderfully written but amusing musing… Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 6/27/2022 5:26:00 PM Thank you, Ilene. You really are too kind. I think my problem is what to write ABOUT… I, like you, can find a rhyme for just about anything… but topics I’m struggling with right now. I guess it’s a waiting game. Terry

Deb M Date: 6/27/2022 1:59:00 AM Oh Terry….it will come back for sure. You can’t write poems like you do and it just stops. You wrote this poem and I absolutely love it…so well said, real and with the ole Terry humour. Perhaps give it a break….maybe you are trying to hard and putting to much pressure on yourself. Reading Jeff and Miltons comments it’s not uncommon. I think the best poetry comes to us when we are not trying to write poetry and at the strangest times! Be kind to yourself Terry….it will be back!! Debxx Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 6/27/2022 5:01:00 PM Thanks, Deb. When I’m at my best, I have ideas buzzing in my head and I have to jot down single lines as reminders to come back to. Now, at best, it’s one idea at a time, if I’m lucky. To be fair, it gave me the chance to get my nursery rhyme book done (which really is in its final edit) but I had hoped that when I put that to bed, my brain cells would refocus. Maybe, as you suggested, I just need to be patient. Tel

Jeff Kyser Date: 6/26/2022 8:54:00 PM I know the feeling. I’ve been on borrowed time for a while, can’t crank a limerick on demand, tapped out. Every once in a while, but not the steady flow I’d like… OTOH, I’m actually getting a few things done around the place… just know, I’ve enjoyed what you write, good stuff.now go think of something weird… Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 6/27/2022 5:02:00 PM Weird, Moi? I’m sure I know not what you mean, young haddock. Terry

L Milton Hankins Date: 6/26/2022 4:37:00 PM I felt like I was reading a post in my own diary, Terry, when I read your poem. So true, and I'm certain we all experience being "devoid of ink" from time to time. And yes, you will "spring forth very soon!" Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 6/26/2022 4:45:00 PM I hope so, Milt. It seems to have been off and on for a year or so now. Moments of inspiration liberally peppered with black holes. Been here before, but this has dragged on such a long time. Guess, I just gotta wait for the fog to clear. Terry