Writing Gut Deep

What are pencils, could they write my heart; 
the classified model I’ve worn for ages?
Is there lead enough to compose my legacy, this testament
painted on the fast coming tombstone;
what pencil could write God’s memory of me?

Who cradle your spawn, and rock him when you can’t find yourself; 
who remember his parched lips and talking stomach? 
Be like Moses, they said, lead my greedy Israelites, be a father to them, 
help me to create tomorrow’s no goods by nurturing 
their pining for unreality, forsake your post

Could pencils write my merits going back into their pockets, 
or the little minds focused on the flickering and changing shapes, 
and fingers dutifully pushing buttons?
Could pencils capture me in my mental cotton fields 
while my seed is up, way past his bedtime, could they?
See, I heard his stomach talking like mine did in ‘88
When the hurricane visited and departed with things we did not give him

What are pencils, could they write this heart?
Could they draw pieces of this broken vessel, could they? 
Come, they said, come and be a father to the fortunate
Forsake thy flesh and fuel the appetite of the glutton, continue the legend
Craft paucity by writing their intentions, let them be reliant
Forsake yours and shape these slaves 
help us to erect pyramids through them
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 3:43 PM
love the title mate, writing gut deep , sidestepping the sheep, some bleating to just get their way... great poetry hey...
Martin Avatar
September 13, 2011 at 6:25 PM
Earle, I've read several of your poems and find your writing style interestingly unique. I can't quite "Pen it down" (pun intended): but this one especailly grabbed me and took me for a ride. I guess its the idea of writing that caught my attention and the final line about the pyramid, especially because I live in Egypt and see them frequently. Also, thanks for commenting earlier on "My Mother Taught Me...About the Flower." I'll try to frequent your poetry more often. Take care, Terry
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace