Doug Vinson | + Follow Poet |
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Upon My First Rereading

I've written things that were good,
and I've written things that were bad.
I've written things that I first thought were good,
but upon my first rereading were already starting to lose their luster.

I'll give it a while, and then come back and check on it,
because a little time can give a better perspective.
On that second time back through it,
the balloon is showing signs of severe deflation,
and I press my lips together in irritation,
like evidence of bad behavior is starting to show.

Often, there is a good reason for a trend to exist,
and sure enough, the following time I'm questioning
myself about why I even wrote the stupid thing, 
and I crumple it up into a ball and throw it in the trash can,
but not before I take the little balled-up paper
and crush it between the desk and my balled-up fist
a few times, just because.

I had to do it, though, I had to write it.
I think back through my life about many things I've done.
Did I really have a choice?

Copyright © Doug Vinson | Year Posted 2016

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Edward Mccall Date: 12/18/2016 2:08:00 PM I have so been there Doug. Just trying to get the perfect line to get the perfect idea cross and then realizing I failed miserably. But as with anything in life you always have to try. I must say though the last three lines I found very powerful. Nicely done sir nicely done. Login to Reply Edward Mccall Date: 12/18/2016 7:52:00 PM So true Doug so very true could not have said it better myself. Also I really like your work. Doug Vinson Date: 12/18/2016 5:30:00 PM Hey Edward; yeah, man - philosophy. I will say that I think we're made to struggle, that yes we may fail multiple time but when that success finally comes, that's why it means something.

Chris Green Date: 12/5/2016 8:08:00 AM I think we do have a choice, but we don't always choose the right one. I write so much and I do throw quite a bit away because when I go back my first reaction is, what the hell is this mess. Some I save but most need to go quickly so I can move on to the next decision, good or bad. Nicely expressed frustration Doug. Login to Reply Doug Vinson Date: 12/5/2016 3:09:00 PM Aye, Chris, there is certainly a time to cut our losses, so to speak.

Probir Gupta Date: 12/5/2016 4:35:00 AM A very interesting and nice write ... Made me smile too ... I too have sort of same experience with my words and style , but less often ... Login to Reply Doug Vinson Date: 12/5/2016 5:25:00 AM Hi Probir. "If I was five years younger, I'd take a flamethrower to this place!" Just felt like quoting Al Pacino in the movie 'Scent of a Woman.' I really don't throw many things away. Sometimes, I only have the title, or sort of an idea of the theme, or a good line that sprang into my mind. So I will go a little ways with it, and once in a while hit a dead-end.

Jan Allison Date: 12/5/2016 2:14:00 AM Made me smile Doug ...I write and re write but I never trash a poem .... keep it for another time...even if I only use a few lines i feel if it was worth writing it is worth keeping:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Doug Vinson Date: 12/5/2016 3:28:00 AM Jan, good point - and if there are lines or phrases that I like, I may just make a new file and store it in a computer. Yeah, "another time...." However, I am also a big mouth and figure I've got a lot of words. In fact, the words are like tribes inside me, and if some words get trashed, then maybe the rest of that tribe will learn a lesson. Doug Vinson Date: 12/5/2016 3:27:00 AM Or, once that paper is burned up, then if, like the Phoenix, the words want to rise up again, perhaps that's proof that I ought to at least take another look at them. If they want to be reborn in me, fine, guys, knock yourself out.