Stymied By Sensibilities

To challenge, to confront, to make a reader squirm with annoyance, is part of what poetry is about. Each reaction unpredictable rather than thrust upon. The poet sows a seed, a catalyst, striking a match, not to inflame and engulf, but merely to light the kindling in the mind with jangles. The poet is not to blame for reactions built perhaps of a guilty conscience, or a wounded mind on the rampage. Sure, the poet often aims to confront, to lay bare, to dare nakedness worthy of exposure. But the sower of seeds does not drag plants up to germinate and grow, to prosper or flounder. Nor does the sower know if bramble weed seeds are mixed in with the plants he sows. The sea of sensibilities is unfathomable. The reaction spectrum is vast and indiscernible. The chocolate tray has soft and hard center delights, Sneak a squeeze if you like, or simply turn the page.