Notes About The Poem

I too have read the "hints" of some of our poets leaning toward leaving Poetrysoup.  I would hope that all would stay (and many who have already left would return).  Poetrysoup will be a sadder place without them.

Stop Right There

STOP RIGHT THERE!!!						
NOT SO FAST….							
Just where do you think you are going??!!
Do you think you can just walk away!!
You have work to do.
Tighten up that Sonnet
	Tidy up those rhymes
		Feel the drumbeat of that meter
				…the juxtaposed delight
					….of sitting back and knowing
						     …..you finally got it……WRITE.

WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE!!!
You know you love it.
	The torture of the keyboard
		words tumbling from the pen
			the beginning
				  the middle
					 the all elusive end

DON’T GIVE ME THAT OLD SONG AND DANCE!!
Remember those first crumpled
				unfinished
					discarded
						recovered
							reworked
								polished
									failures

DON’T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE!!!
Have you forgotten that first poem??
	The one you read to your dog?
		in a whispered voice
			as his tail wagged
				and your voice
					brushed his coat
						        with poetry.

YOU ARE A POET!!
Your words,
	like butterfly wings,
			gently alter
				the currents
					of the universe.


John G. Lawless
©7/15/2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Cwiak Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 7:14 PM
Terrific write, John. Well deserved POTD.
Kinch  Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 11:10 AM
Congratulations on POTD, fun write!
Daniel Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 10:39 AM
Excellent poetry, John:) congratulations on POTD:) thanks for the encouraging words:)
Roper Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 10:36 AM
Congratulations , John....I love the last 2 stanzas " Wonderful"
Wanter Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 9:43 AM
Love it! Congratulations!
Wood Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 9:35 AM
Sir! Yes Sir! hehe I like this very much John. Congratulations on POTD recognition! - Dean
Downing  Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 8:00 AM
WOw!! This is FANTABULOUS, John! Congrats on potd... hugs :)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 7:43 AM
Oh John I love this! POTD congratulations and a fave :) xomo!
Turner Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 7:26 AM
Glad this won POTD, John:) Congratulations my friend.
One Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 6:45 AM
Excellent choice for POTD..
May Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 6:26 AM
Congrats on POTD John
Williams Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 5:40 AM
Congrats on POTD John.A really great poem, and I love the way you have laid it out....Maria
Andresen Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 5:22 AM
- Congratulations on yours p.o.t.d., John - A wonderful poem - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Krampe Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 5:20 AM
Great poem - congrats on POTD, John.
White Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 3:21 AM
I love all of the tornadoes, you conjured up a storm :) Grats on PotD
Dietrich Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 6:48 PM
John I am trying I am trying, but I just can't make your winner lists these days. hahaha!! What's a girl gotta do??
Parker Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 2:59 PM
Frustration can be overwhelming to some, others treat it like a badge of honor, we all have experienced it, some just need a hand of encouragement to deal with it...Good poem, hope those that need it, read it
Turner Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 11:31 AM
I was afraid you were going to say something about KP:) Love the motivational poem, John:) Sounds like you're trying to scare them into staying. lol
Sands Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 10:48 AM
Thank you for this great poem John . Very creatively written too :)
Robinson Jr. Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 10:41 AM
Cool creative poem, John. Your message brought a smile to my face. To each his/her own. Their choice, their loss. These talented poetesses/poets inspire my muse greatly. Before coming to PSoup, I already knew I was a born poet. Meeting and reading other diverse talents has broadened and elevated my God-given poetic gifts. Loved this poem very much. Keep sounding the horn, my friend. Love and peace always.
One Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 10:06 AM
I'm back John, it is sad when poets leave, but it is normally due to child like behaviour or a lack of support. Together we are a community and we can make this place a great place. Nice poem also, great words of wisdom..
May Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 9:59 AM
Poetry Boot Camp...I like the butterfly ending...Nicely done John
Cozart Avatar
July 15, 2017 at 9:25 AM
awesome. a fave.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace