Home » Poems » Timothy Mcguire » The Problem Poem

The Problem Poem

Have you ever worked on a poem that didn't seem right? It never would flow, try as you might, An idea had popped into you mind, So you decided to devote the time, To create a great new poetic masterpiece, A limerick, a haiku, or a simple rhyme at least, As you are laying your poem out on the paper, Your structure suddenly disappears like vapor, You look down at the words you've laid down, And they only give you back a frown. Suddenly that feeling is in your gut, It's best just to tear it up, Because a poem should never be forced in any way, Put it aside and try another day.

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

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 8/23/2018 11:19:00 PM

Hello Timothy … most of your poem I can relate to in regard to writers block, however because of Word on a PC, I save it and open another page, but never delete it in fury although I feel like it - thanks Timothy - Lindsay

Timothy Mcguire
Date: 8/24/2018 1:47:00 AM

Thank you Lindsay.

Line Gauthier

Date: 8/19/2018 12:34:00 PM

One should not be in a rush to tear up poems, Timothy. I did so with many of my old poems only to realize that I might have found inspiration to extract a line or image to create an awesome short form. Moral of the story: keep a WORK ON pile. Line xx

Timothy Mcguire
Date: 8/20/2018 3:52:00 PM

You are right. I do have a work on pile. I was just referring to the particular draft being worked on. I keep my original notes to go back to someday. The poem I was writing about put out such a bad vibe I had to get away from it. Very Interesting thanks Miss Line.

Susan Gentry

Date: 8/17/2018 12:31:00 AM

Yes, and good advice. I've wasted lots of time trying to force poems, finally but aside and start over with it the next day or later, and it'll work right off.

Timothy Mcguire
Date: 8/17/2018 4:27:00 PM

You are right. When I get a dry spell I try to force something in it usually end up bad. That's when it is time to rest. I've also had times when two or three poems fly onto the paper and they were pretty good. Strange as it may seem I've had a complete poem appear in my mind a time or two.