Out of Gas

I’m staring at my notebook;
The page is lined but blank.
I’m like the driver with no map
Or gas within the tank.

I’ve got the engine started
But I have no place to go,
So I’m sitting here in neutral
With my spirits sinking low.

It doesn’t happen often
That my mind will not engage,
Yet my musings somehow managed
To get words upon the page.

It’s almost time for typing,
For what finally seems clear
Is that sometimes simply idling
Is enough to get in gear.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Flood Avatar
October 12, 2023 at 3:59 PM
Know the feeling well, Ilene. I like the way your last few lines prove their own point. When I’m in that boat (er… car) I try just writing gibberish. Sometimes I get a line to work with and sometimes I get a fully fledged poem… and sometimes I get gibberish. Your approach was far more refined than mine. Like it lots!
Rigoler Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 8:20 PM
That last stanza says it all, Ilene! And it works for me when my poetry "engine" prefers to idle though my mind is on the gas peddle! Enjoyed./ Maurice
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Even on idle Ilene, you still create a great poem.
Andresen Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 7:08 AM
- ... let the "car" rest a bit, Ilene ... fill up your mind ... lovely written :) - hugs
Allison Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 9:58 PM
You are a gas Ilene lol I can relate big time my pen has run out of ink but am sure a gassy poem will explode from my pen when my motor gets running again , wonderful metaphors lol hugs jan xx
Greenhough Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 6:09 PM
I liked the humor and the thought. A car is sometimes the most positive thing in one's life.
Rolland Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 3:24 PM
i feel like that these days, where to find gas ? great metaphor, thanks poet, take care
Dietrich Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 1:37 PM
great metaphors for it, Ilene. May your tank stay ever full
Meadows Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Brilliant!!! Enjoyed reading this. Well done.
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