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When is a poem not a poem - John Lawless's Blog

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I am a retired Ironworker(35 years Local 7), a lifetime Boston, Mass resident.  I am old enough to know better - but don't.


When is a poem not a poem

Blog Posted:5/29/2020 9:08:00 AM

 

When is poem not a poem

I ask this question wherever I roam

A vagrant poet without a home

Writing my poems on asphalt with stone

Scratching my poem

With the edges of me

Poetic expression to set me free

I watch as it fades

Over time, wind and rain

Erasing the poem but never the pain

And thus does the poem

Give me my reply

A poem is a poem

Until it is not

A part of your soul

A thread of your thought

 

 

 

 



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Date: 6/21/2020 1:51:00 PM
John, you -- yes you -- and this poem and most all of your poems are a true inspiration to me to keep going. Thanks! ~ Once pahked my cah in Hahvahd Squeah! Take care, Gershon
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Date: 6/14/2020 10:43:00 PM
Indisputable logic, John.
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Date: 6/13/2020 12:33:00 AM
Poetic expression to set me free....well expressive... If poetic theme cannot set free the mind spontaneously them poem gets struck there.....
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Date: 6/2/2020 3:23:00 AM
Poem has to become thread of your thought--well said and beautiful simple write. Best. Mohan
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Date: 5/31/2020 3:01:00 AM
Very well written, John. I seldom, if ever, care much for poems about poetry, but this is a very definite exception. Great write.
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Date: 5/30/2020 8:19:00 PM
This was a fantastic poetic post you gave us. Love this!!
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Date: 5/30/2020 3:18:00 AM
Yes John ...never written...always best said
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Lawless Avatar
John Lawless
Date: 5/30/2020 10:18:00 AM
Hey Brian, always nice to hear from you,.appreciate the visit
Date: 5/29/2020 2:11:00 PM
Beautiful expression. And I agree whether it be paper, asphalt, brick, or carved in a tree. A poem is not the words that are written but the heart in its expression. Anyone can jot a few bits of scribble, but it takes a poet to express them. It will always remain in your heart. ( or Soul) Blessings my friend
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Hawkens Avatar
Jc Hawkens
Date: 5/31/2020 3:21:00 AM
Such a beautiful sentiment, my friend.
Lawless Avatar
John Lawless
Date: 5/30/2020 10:15:00 AM
Thanks for stopping by JC. I think A poem is the spirit of the poet streaking naked across the moment
Date: 5/29/2020 1:17:00 PM
Nicely done, John, I enjoyed this thoroughly, and needed a pick-me-up today, (as the world waxes chaotic). Keep up the great work - blessings!
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Sharp Avatar
Lawrence Sharp
Date: 5/31/2020 2:57:00 AM
The world waxes chaotic ? I've never heard that before... great wordsmithery right there, Greg, it's a phrase that deserves to catch on.
Lawless Avatar
John Lawless
Date: 5/30/2020 10:11:00 AM
I have always dreaded those chaotic waxings.....not as Painful as some other waxings ....glad the poem gave you a lift
Date: 5/29/2020 10:04:00 AM
When is poem not a poem * words that do not rhyme with your soul * an empty recipient unable to contain a pain * a pen that can't follow the rhythm of your rain * a lost language while trying your heart to translate * a dry stream, your thirst, would never sate.. * A poem, a gem of rarity.. a well of wealth.. a voice of pain.. a joy of mind.. a sealer of wound.. a rose of love.. a piece of thought.. a brush in the hands of Art.. a chirp of a bird.. a music of the Self.. A poem that would please a poet dwells in the beauty of our thoughts, visions, aspirations. that longing to reach that perfect and sweetest of creations! I liked the depths of your thoughts and feels! I enjoyed the read, John
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John Lawless
Date: 5/30/2020 10:08:00 AM
WOW, Besma, this is a comment to make the poet blush and poem shiver. Thank you for u so much for stopping to read and comment.

My Past Blog Posts

 
HI-POO SENRYU CONTEST FLUSHED...
Date Posted: 10/30/2023 4:50:00 AM
Hi-Poo contest
Date Posted: 10/28/2023 6:33:00 AM
What was I thinking contest finalized
Date Posted: 9/27/2023 5:15:00 AM
ALERT!!! HE JUST COMMENTED ON HIS OWN POEM!!!!
Date Posted: 9/19/2023 6:49:00 AM
Don't Fight it - Write it contest results
Date Posted: 6/25/2023 11:58:00 AM
HITHER AND ANON
Date Posted: 6/14/2023 5:33:00 AM
COMPLIANT POEMOLOGY
Date Posted: 4/12/2023 6:37:00 AM
To Comment or Respond to Same
Date Posted: 1/23/2023 7:52:00 PM
JUDGEMENT FREE ZONES
Date Posted: 1/14/2023 6:04:00 AM
inserted ads in poetry comments
Date Posted: 11/28/2022 8:42:00 AM
OH TO BLOG
Date Posted: 11/17/2022 5:22:00 PM
HOW TO JUDGE A POETRY CONTEST
Date Posted: 10/10/2022 6:57:00 AM
PAPER AIRPLANES CONTEST
Date Posted: 9/14/2022 5:51:00 AM
SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW.......FORGOTTEN CONTEST
Date Posted: 6/8/2022 5:22:00 AM
DEAR INHABITANTS
Date Posted: 4/21/2022 5:06:00 PM
ALAS, ALACK AND BALDERDASH
Date Posted: 3/18/2022 6:40:00 AM
DAY BREAK
Date Posted: 2/16/2022 4:57:00 AM
REMEMBER WHEN....
Date Posted: 11/19/2021 4:49:00 AM
STEM CLASS - circa 1955
Date Posted: 11/11/2021 5:00:00 AM
FRIGHTDAY (aka Friday)
Date Posted: 11/5/2021 8:04:00 AM
THRIST DAY (aka Thursday)
Date Posted: 11/4/2021 6:28:00 AM
WHEN'S DAY(aka Wednesday)
Date Posted: 11/3/2021 6:27:00 AM
thoughts on a murky morning
Date Posted: 10/28/2021 6:54:00 AM
TOO'S DAY
Date Posted: 10/26/2021 6:26:00 AM
MOAN-DAY
Date Posted: 10/11/2021 4:47:00 AM

My Recent Poems

Date PostedPoemTitleFormCategories
12/1/2023 SOLSTICE SENRYU Senryuchristmas,december,
11/30/2023 Those Bells Free versehigh school,humor,poetry,
11/30/2023 I Think They Doth Protest Too Much Verseconflict,confusion,war,
11/29/2023 The Serpent Free versemetaphor,
11/28/2023 he wanders a lot Free verseage,peace,time,
11/27/2023 life lines Senryulife,
11/27/2023 December Haikudecember,
11/27/2023 how i hate that cooing pigeon Versedark,humor,lust,muse,poet
11/25/2023 A CROWN OF HORNETS I do not know?sin,
11/25/2023 BLACK FRIDAY Senryuirony,thanksgiving,
11/24/2023 THE WARMTH, THE CALL, OF APPLE PIE Rhymethanksgiving,
11/24/2023 MYSTIC METAPHOR Rhymedream,muse,poetry,sleep,
11/23/2023 CLUCK U Limerickhumor,word play,
11/23/2023 OH CLUCK Limerickhumor,thanksgiving day,
11/22/2023 STARS OF CLARITY Free verselost love,
11/22/2023 Solstice Ploy Sonnetseasons,
11/21/2023 WE ARE NOT FUR BABIES Free versedog,funny,pets,
11/19/2023 Brain Drain Monokumuse,words,
11/18/2023 November's Raindrops Sonnetautumn,seasons,winter,
11/17/2023 FALLING Free verseseasons,winter,
11/17/2023 MIDNIGHT'S TRYSTS Sonnetlove,lust,moon,
11/16/2023 stop thinking I do not know?humor,irony,
11/16/2023 A Quiet Protest Monokuconfusion,humor,irony,pol
11/15/2023 NAMELESS Free verseage,friendship,growing up
11/15/2023 WAIT HERE Free versechristmas,humor,marriage,
11/15/2023 Hook Line and Sinker Monokufishing,humor,marriage,
11/14/2023 Takeoff Lanternebird,winter,
11/14/2023 I Have an Aversion to Prejudice Rhymejudgement,prejudice,
11/14/2023 HOW MANY WHAT Questionkugames,nonsense,
11/14/2023 PERSONALITY TESTING Monokuhumor,self,
11/14/2023 I Prayed Free verseprayer,
11/14/2023 Oh, Cluck No Monokuhumor,
11/14/2023 leaves Haikuwinter,
11/13/2023 Oh, Let Us Write Coupletpoets,silence,writing,
11/12/2023 hide and seek Monokugod,
11/11/2023 SUBLIMINAL STUPIDITY I do not know?word play,
11/11/2023 THAT THING Free versedark,introspection,memory
11/9/2023 WINDSONGS Verselife,time,wind,
11/9/2023 November Snapshots Free versenovember,rain,
11/8/2023 in plain sight Limerickthanksgiving,
11/8/2023 On a Last Dance Free verseage,devotion,life,love,ma
11/7/2023 Of Wingless Doves Free versepeace,
11/7/2023 CHANGE Monokuchange,irony,
11/6/2023 Good Night Monster Rhymechildhood,mom,scary,
11/6/2023 Oh Hell Tetractyslife,
11/5/2023 Stoicism Free verselife,spiritual,strength,
11/5/2023 Metaphysical Migrants Free versepeople,
11/4/2023 Labyrinthine Free verselife,mentor,wisdom,
11/3/2023 Ripples In Time Monokuirony,
11/3/2023 A Muted Landscape Free versepoetry,words,writing,
11/2/2023 Wild Birds Personificationbird,humor,identity,
11/2/2023 Which Witch Limerickhalloween,
11/2/2023 Truth Be Told Free verseirony,truth,
11/1/2023 Speech Monokuhumor,irony,
10/31/2023 Poetic Hide and Seek Free verseallegory,life,poetry,poet
10/30/2023 November's Creep Free versenovember,rose,
10/30/2023 A Reverie of Darkness Verseanalogy,
10/29/2023 Keep Verseaddiction,anger,hope,life
10/29/2023 Victory's Defeat Rhymechildhood,children,growin
10/29/2023 Wild Animals Personificationanalogy,evil,irony,
10/29/2023 October's Farewell Kiss Monokuautumn,beauty,
10/28/2023 The Last Organ Grinder Monokuhumor,
10/28/2023 A Metaphoric Blue Rhymepoetry,poets,words,
10/27/2023 Last Call Free versehumor,ireland,life,
10/26/2023 Whose Dog Is It Anyway Free versepoetry,words,
10/24/2023 Treeless Questionkuperspective,
10/24/2023 Broken Warriors Free verseanger,soldier,war,
10/23/2023 Musings On Faith Haibunfaith,
10/22/2023 Fall's Farewell Free verseoctober,
10/22/2023 The Minutia of Life Monokuhumor,irony,silly,
10/22/2023 It All Depends On What We Do Coupletgod,
10/20/2023 I Always Liked the Rain Free verseage,rain,youth,
10/20/2023 Thinking Monokutoday,
10/20/2023 The Rules of War Free versewar,
10/19/2023 Omg Free versegod,
10/18/2023 Junk Haibunamerica,family,military,w
10/18/2023 Formless Poetry Free verseart,poetry,poets,
10/18/2023 Overheard On the Parade Grounds Monokufunny,military,
10/17/2023 First Day Monokuchange,
10/16/2023 October Half Time Senryuoctober,
10/16/2023 Pond-Erings Versepeace,water,
10/15/2023 Pimp-Kins Monokuhumor,sexy,word play,
10/14/2023 Buyer Beware Monokuhumor,irony,
10/13/2023 Fall's Silenced Soliloquy Quaternautumn,
10/12/2023 Truth Acrostictruth,
10/12/2023 Chattering Chameleons Monokulanguage,truth,words,
10/12/2023 Have We Learned Nothing Free versegod,war,
10/12/2023 Qute Rhymesilly,words,
10/11/2023 How I Feel Today Monokuhumor,
10/11/2023 The Dog Wore a Rainbow Bandana Free versegood morning,
10/10/2023 We Fade Free verseage,family,love,
10/10/2023 Cuz He's a Guy Rhymefun,humor,men,
10/9/2023 The Unsupervised Stop Sign Free verseimagination,muse,
10/9/2023 God Showed Up On Tuesday Free versegod,
10/8/2023 Midnight's Cauldron Blank verseaddiction,dark,night,
10/7/2023 Musings On Faith Monokuconfusion,faith,humor,
10/6/2023 Getting To Know Me Free verseconfusion,self,
10/5/2023 I'Ll Never Forget What's His Name Free verseage,humor,memory,
10/5/2023 One, Two, Ten Ethereefun,poetry,word play,
10/5/2023 Snow Birds Ethereeautumn,journey,nature,

My Photos


Fav Poems

PoemTitleFormCategories
She's Always Drawing Mermaids Sonnetsad,
Paradise Now Free versereligion,
Painting With Words Coupletpoetry,writing,
A Friendly Goodbye Free versebeauty,
Dark Cinquaindark,death,
Roadmap Rhymeage,
The Wintered Soul Among Wisteria Sonnetgrief,
Death Becomes Art Rhymedeath,depression,poetry,
And Still She Smiles Free versedepression,friendship,lov
'theatre of the Absurd'-Catoptric Corridors of Time Rhymehumanity,metaphor,solitud
Moonless Curse Senryuappreciation,hope,longing
Rise Up and Sing the Sun Sonnetday,
Scurry Now a Panther Comes Your Way Free versepoetry,
Sacred Dwellers Coupletanimal,native american,sp
Resolutions Rhymenew year,
Totems of the Mind Free versehistory,muse,mystery,
In Praise of Anonymity Free versepoetry,
Courage Free versecourage,love,
Understanding Free versetruth,
The Souls of Leaves Rondeaunature,
God Was Wearing a Dress Free versespiritual,
The Park Fountain Free verselight,moon,night,spiritua
Meditations On a Derelict Wharf Free verseage,hope,mystery,visionar
All That I Have Taken In Free verseeve,nature,spiritual,suns
In All Its Splendor Haibunautumn,nature,seasons,
Lightning They Name Is Woman Personificationsky,
A Life Not Lived Ethereeangst,anxiety,betrayal,co
Seattle Streets Free verseage,old,
On Rainy Afternoons Free versechild,sad,solitude,
The Poets Are Dead Free versewriting,
Your Name Free verseanxiety,childhood,fear,
Tomorrow Free versesunset,time,
Wasted Things Free versepoetry,
How Much More God Versechildhood,memory,
Nameless Rhymesad,
Dew Kissed Dawn Free verseappreciation,light,mornin

Fav Poets

PoetCountry 
Jan Allison Isle Of Man Flag Isle Of Man Read
Andrea Dietrich United States Flag United States Read
Maurice Yvonne Canada Flag Canada Read
Constance La France Canada Flag Canada Read
Nette Onclaud Philippines Flag Philippines Read
Connie Marcum Wong United States Flag United States Read
Dialectic Crisis United States Flag United States Read
Gershon Wolf United States Flag United States Read
Dale Gregory Cozart United States Flag United States Read
Panagiota Romios United States Flag United States Read
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