John Watt Poet Other

Up

Up
in the sky
i saw a clock one
time lost in time when
had i any time to spare my
time would be  timeless forever
i used to  spend my time  like pocket 
change time after time there was no time for 
time had i made time when time was free i might
be freed of time's tyranny
the words of the prophets
are written on the subway
walls... i will use my  time
looking  up    building  up
wising  up     growing  up
listening  up    tidying  up
speaking  up  owning  up
signing  up   teaming  up
lifting  up   dreaming  up
wrapping up till my time
on earth  is like  the sky:


Up


written Apr 1980
revised Apr 2023

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John Stasukevich May 27, 2023 at 3:09 AM Oh John, in my humble opinion, this is a bold display of sheer talent. I love the shape. This poem is uplifting, no pun intended. A fav for me. Stunning! Blessings ~ John

Joanna Daniel May 7, 2023 at 3:54 AM Awesome work, John, congratulations:)

Suzette Richards May 6, 2023 at 10:51 PM Congratulations, John, on your 3rd place win in my GRAFFITI contest. 'And the sign said, "The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sounds of silence".' Writer: Paul Simon - The Sound of Silence. Suzette Richards May 6, 2023 at 11:19 PM Just an aside: 'wrapping up "til" my time' ...

Kim Rodrigues May 6, 2023 at 7:23 PM I spent my time like pocket change… Congratulations, John! Love the shape!

Linda Alice Fowler May 6, 2023 at 12:53 PM A great shape with supporting words inscribed John. I like this very much! Congratulations on your win! :)

Andrea Dietrich May 6, 2023 at 9:06 AM Wow. Awesome, John. Congratulations.

Gary Radice May 6, 2023 at 6:02 AM Great work John. Love the reference to 'The Sound Of Silence' :) I often read a poet's older poems and I'm so glad you entered this profound, clever poem into the contest. Cheers - Gary

L. J. Carber November 26, 2020 at 10:46 AM This is very, very clever, John--congrats

Newton Ranaweera November 24, 2020 at 9:50 AM congratulations, John, on your placement for this beautiful shape poems from your chapbook!!

Brian Strand November 24, 2020 at 4:27 AM John,f you would like to soupmail a link thereto I'll add it to the thank you blog to Line

Constance La France November 24, 2020 at 3:43 AM John, congratulations in Line's, Have You Published contest with this beautiful poem, each line, each word is amazing _Constance

Ann Gilmour April 23, 2020 at 11:13 PM Wow John, this is astonishing, truly inspiring poetry that at 4.30 am here in the UK has encouraged me to look up at the sky from my balcony where I see Jupitor shining down like a gorgeous morning gift! Your words too are a gift and I thank you. Like you I spend a great deal of time marvelling at the sheer beauty of our sky and it never disappoints. Your poem is a FAV for me John.With kindest thoughts Ann xx John Watt April 23, 2020 at 11:35 PM Ann, you are my sky sister! Soupmail me a list of your own poems that are your favorites written about the sky. I'll read 'em! Thanks for the FAV!

Indiana Shaw March 24, 2020 at 11:20 AM A maestro of shape you are, John, with the powerful words to follow them up . . . ; ) John Watt March 24, 2020 at 11:27 AM Indy, thank you very much for going back in the time machine to this early post. I see what you did there (follow them UP). Your words are cherished ~ John

Susan Ashley March 16, 2020 at 9:14 PM John, I must say that I truly enjoyed this riveting and inspiring poem. From the shape, to the repetition of words used to ingenious effect, to the message and again, to the last line leaving a lasting impression with a strong 'aha' moment.. as I said in my comments on 'The Poem Is', you are the master of the impactful last line. Warmest wishes, dear poet.. ~Susan PS: you chose a great work of art for your poetic inspiration :) John Watt March 17, 2020 at 12:47 AM Susan, giver of lavish commentary and warm, encouraging words, I thank you! Not just for taking the time to read deeply into each poem and distill its inner meaning, but for warming my heart with such uplifting support. I appreciate your kind words on the 'aha' moment. It's not conscious, but it does seem to be a defining pattern. Glad you enjoy the Dalí piece as I do. Love your words. Hugs ~ John

Line Gauthier March 13, 2020 at 10:51 PM I love your line 'i used to spend my time like pocket change" but I particularly love your very effective use of each and every word "up"~ well done, John. John Watt March 13, 2020 at 11:07 PM So glad you were able to see this, Line! Thank you for gracing it with your visit and "up"lifting words.

Andrea Dietrich March 1, 2020 at 5:21 PM I like the symbolism of time portrayed in the shape, John!! Our Earthly Up gets very small but also UP should be quite rewarding once we face our end!! John Watt March 1, 2020 at 5:30 PM I like where you went with this!

Jan Allison May 26, 2016 at 4:32 PM what a wonderful shape poem - really like your style John:-) hugs jan xx John Watt May 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM Thanks for the kind words, Jan. e-hugs to you!

Pam Deremer May 26, 2016 at 4:25 PM I liked your poem. John Watt May 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM Pam, thank you for reading and commenting.