Words grow hauntingly,
Roll half-tauntingly from the mind
Where once, not long ago,
Image poured and metaphor
Fused meaning with high passion—
And also darkled shadows, fear, and dread.
Instead of rocket highs and
Depth-plumbed lows,
Widely barren plains, unbroken now
By crest or depth, unfurrowed in the
Lassitude of listlessness,
Numbed and dumbed and stilled.
To walk is easier thus.
Each step-by-step level and unruffled.
Horizons no longer loom. Twilights
Linger until the moon herself sleeps settled.
And dawn creeps slowly on until she
Merges unbeknownst with noon.
And thus it is. And is. And is.
And whether that is good,
I do not know.
Author notes
*Generic named for “Abilify,” a medication used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; it works by inhibiting not only depressive lows but also manic highs, holding emotions at a neutral level. While its effects on daily life are a blessing, its impact on writing poetry is much more problemmatical.
A contest entry
- Sorry: Invitation Only by Amera.
8000 points, ended August 20, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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I was not the only judge for my contest and this poem deserves special recognition. The least I can do is put an Amera gold on it.
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Firstly, I would like to commend you on such an ambitious undertaking as this. How does one make the concept of mundanity interesting? This is how! That shows impressive skills and gets a tip of my hat.
This poem is very personal, a huge compliment in my book, as well as well-conceived and executed. I think that too often judges reward the content of poetry and not the poems themselves, putting what they relate to above what is well written. Just know that this will not be the case with this judge or this contest. This is an excellent write and a worthy entry in our contest.
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Thank you for your close and emphathetic reading, both of content and of technique. It's too easy to read one and ignore the other, either way, so it is refreshing and gratifying to have someone read the poem this closely. Again, thank you.
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I am thrilled that you entered our contest! I am not really qualified to judge Free Verse as mine is awful but I’m really not qualified to judge my first teacher here on AP. I’ll do my best and I can tell you what I like and I like this poem. You have used wonderful vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of emotion and the commonality between the author and every other author at some point in his/her life of writing. I did equate the theme to writer’s block until I read the author notes and realized it was targeted at antidepressants. This flows like silk when read aloud; I think because of the subtle rhymes that occur, rhymes that seem unintentional and natural thus keeping the restriction of writing free verse and doing it well. I knew I’d receive a world class poem from you and you did not disappoint me. Thank you Michael
Love,
Amera♥
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Writers block works just as well...anything that suddenly intrudes to halt the flow of image and metaphor. No matter the cause, the result is devastating, to poets, to any writers or creators. Thank you for the extensive comments; and thank you for understanding underlying structures and intentions as well as meaning and tone. Much appreciated, especially from you.
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My goodness, this is superb! Love, Lane
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Oh I can definitely relate to this poem. Being on many medications myself (for a pain disorder and depression) I definitely understand the numb feeling and the listlessness, and how that can effect writing and make it somewhat problemmatic at times!
Very well written indeed!
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A most pensive write sir, and the enviable syntax makes this a most apt piece.
All the best,
mj.
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And a most difficult piece to conceive and write. Thank youu for your empathetic reading and comment.
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