The Paving Stone

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Lee Leon.

_{This was the result of an exercise many many years ago, maybe over 45 years, to take the most unlikely object that I could think of and just write a poem about it. There was no real inspiration, no clear objective, and I just followed where the words went and stopped when they stopped.}

_{It was surprisingly satisfying, a bit too easy, and required virtually no editing afterwards. Centring (Centering in the US) the lines resulted in an interesting Concrete poetry form, with a downwards arrow pointing to a slab lying on the ground in perspective.}

_{None of that was consciously intentional, although it looks it. I like this poem although I do not feel that I deliberately created it, so my feelings about it and any pride in it are compromised. I think it's the best poem that I never wrote.}

The paving stone sits like a stone Alone at the side of the street It has no eyes, no ears to hear It cannot feel the passing feet Tears and fears and threats and conversational discourse Cannot move the slab that submits to only force Too heavy to ride the tide of human emotion It lies on the bed of the social ocean Has no fears about pollution Doesn't care for revolution Doesn't mind Unaware, Blind. And every day, The planet spins For they who lose And those who win And the paving stone.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.