The Story Ends

I stare at the paper, pen in hand
Nothing fills the lines but angry tears
Where are the words that overflowed;
where are the works that wrote themselves 

What happened to the sleepless nights 
a poem would scream to be heard
Refuse to let me rest until it was freed;
released from the confines of my mind

I squeeze my pen harder; willing something onto
the page. The empty paper that mocks me so often 
Anything ...I search for anything that resembles a word;
one that unlocks the vat hiding emotions that spoke for me
But I search in darkness; neither seeing nor hearing

Pain grabs my attention and I focus back on my hand
I set down my pen and switch off the lamp
There is no longer room on the paper to write

Reaching for the door I look back at the desk lit only by the moon
...at the one beam of light shining on the red stained paper
Tears falling, shoulders back, I turn and close the door behind me


02/22/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Goff Avatar
January 1, 2020 at 1:23 PM
One could describe this lovely poem perhaps as representing what some call ....a rough patch : )
Thomas Avatar
January 1, 2020 at 1:27 PM
Definitely a rough patch! You hit that one one the head Jim!
J.T. Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 10:13 AM
Awesome poem; -JT
Thomas Avatar
December 31, 2019 at 11:06 PM
Thank you James :)
Babbit Avatar
March 17, 2018 at 11:29 AM
I see Zhivago, writing prolific. May your thoughts stagger your mind and your pen, never run dry. Great poem, everyone of, poets and writers have experience ed.
Thomas Avatar
March 17, 2018 at 2:44 PM
Agreed, though something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Thank you so much DM
Krutsinger Avatar
March 13, 2018 at 11:04 PM
Thank you for a poem that epitomizes the scariness of writers block. I turned my writing off for over fifteen years. It was not a block, it was an effort to hide from myself. I'm more grown up now, and as a newly formed adult, I appreciate your poetry and your win. Congratulations.
Thomas Avatar
March 14, 2018 at 8:31 AM
That was a very long time not to be able to write; and a wonderful self-realization. Or should I say wonderful that you were able to realize the cause. It's been a couple years for me. Though I can write poems on a given topic they're not like the ones that just flow from me like they used to. So they don't really feel like mine. This one did more than others. Thanks so much for the time that you gave me Caren.
Lovejoy-Burton Avatar
March 11, 2018 at 9:00 PM
Fabulous. But not fabulous....nothing worse than a constipated mind. I have found of late I dream in poetry, I never wrote poetry before last December. Absolutely bizarre for me. I used to write stories every now and again on rare occasions, but never poetry. Congrats on your win Shadow. You are a Poet Warrior, I aspire to write like you.
Thomas Avatar
March 11, 2018 at 9:09 PM
Completely agree. But that's awesome about your writing! It's unique and awakening. Exactly what we need!
Roper Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 9:25 PM
Congratulations on your win, Shadow ! Hugs Eve ~`*
Thomas Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 6:49 PM
Eve thank you so much for the time you've given my poems.
Allison Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 5:38 PM
Congrats on your win Shadow, i hope writer's block is not something that happens to me too often, i try and have a few poems in stock just in case but manage to post something most days. i consider my muse needs a holiday so i won't class that as writer's block lol:-) hugs jan xx
Thomas Avatar
March 6, 2018 at 8:34 AM
Good way to look at it! Thanks Jan ;)
Scars Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 6:19 AM
Wow this one was hard to read thought beautifully sad. Thank you and congratulations on your placement. :)-luloo
Thomas Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 12:27 PM
I am very grateful LuLoo. Thanks so much.
May Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 5:33 AM
An empty page tells its own story...Well penned ...
Thomas Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 12:26 PM
Indeed it does. Good Afternoon Joseph. Thank you
Manassian Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 2:14 AM
What an amazing write, dear Shadow. I hope that you return to the room and take up that pen because your poetry is....life. I mean that. Thank you for your visit to my poem. I'm so glad you are part of this community of poets. Blessings.
Thomas Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 12:25 PM
I am most glad to see you've returned Highness; I have not many reasons to be here ...but you are one :) Thank you Eilee
Lamoureux Avatar
March 3, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Trying to overcome writers block is like trying to recover the water that has soaked into a stone. You know the water is there you just can’t access it. When you stop trying the eternal stream will find you. Besides this is quite well expressed and all can relate to your words.
Thomas Avatar
March 4, 2018 at 8:19 AM
Such a beautiful analogy Rick. Thank you very much.
Dietrich Avatar
March 1, 2018 at 8:41 PM
very emotive for GETTING out the emotions!! WELL DONE, Shadow of the past!
Thomas Avatar
March 4, 2018 at 8:13 AM
Morning Andy. Thank you very much :)
Horsman Avatar
March 1, 2018 at 6:50 AM
Oh writers block indeed, Look at what it achieved, wonderful heartfelt poetry..Been there Shadow, can feel the words,,love this.
Thomas Avatar
March 1, 2018 at 1:36 PM
Harry thanks so much! I'm always happy when someone gets where I'm coming from :)
Tripp Avatar
February 24, 2018 at 10:26 PM
Writer's block is the scariest and most helpless feeling. I've had it for a month and then the next month, my thoughts overflow onto paper. Never fear. Once creative, always creative. Great write, Shadow.
Tripp Avatar
February 24, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Writer's block is the scariest and most helpless feeling. I've had it for a month and then the next month, my thoughts overflow onto paper. Never fear. Once creative, always creative. Great write, Shadow.
Thomas Avatar
March 1, 2018 at 1:35 PM
Rhoda I'm responding to comments but noticing that some of them end up missing after a while. Thank you very much and I'm sorry it disappeared but I did reply!
One Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 8:26 AM
This is very deep and sad, you expressed with so much emotion..
Thomas Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 6:01 PM
Hello S1; it is a beautifully rainy evening here. Made that much more so by your visit. Thank you.
Talbot Avatar
February 22, 2018 at 9:46 PM
Sad, indeed profound, yet it inspired me! You will see, a link, I leave for thee, Shadow of the Past, let's all look to a peaceful future... Mick https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/inspired_by_shadow_of_the_past_-_i_too_have_walked_blind_996630
Thomas Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 5:59 PM
Your poem is lovely Mick. I am happy you were inspired. Very happy :)
Cunningham Avatar
February 22, 2018 at 9:13 PM
Brilliant verse, and one most of us can relate to at some time in our lives. And then a seed of an idea comes into your mind and over time grows. But you have to be quick and write it down before it starts to fade. Tom
Thomas Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 5:56 PM
You are very right Tom. Thank you very much :)
Talbot Avatar
February 22, 2018 at 10:08 PM
Tom, I did, and without fail wrote it for all to read, a link https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/inspired_by_shadow_of_the_past_-_i_too_have_walked_blind_996630 Mick
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