I venture out to the poetry workshop.
I sit in the meeting room
At a long rectangular table
Crowded with poets.
I wonder if the others notice
That I am naked,
As transparent as the picture windows
On the wall opposite me
Blasting the white glare of autumn sunlight.
I listen quietly.
The instructor–warm, wise,
Who knows something of life–
Tells us about the crow
Who sits on our shoulder
Holding us back from writing honestly.
She says we have to knock the crow
Off our shoulders.
She says, “Write a poem
About something you are afraid to say.”
I feel the crow’s weight
And think,
“My crow is a vulture
Who eats me alive every day.
We live symbiotically.
He is my identity.
He looks like my ex.”
I tell myself, “I can survive.”
But I should say,
“I can do without that damn vulture.
We don’t have to be joined at the shoulder.”
I should knock him to the ground
And eat him for dinner,
And not worry about
Who would I be without him.
[This post was included in the March 2013 edition of the Third Sunday Blog Carnival.]
© Sweepy Jean and Sweepy Jean Explores the (Webby) World, 2012
Comments on: "The Poetry Workshop (poem)" (49)
I loved that! See you soon.
Thanks so much, Janet!
oWooo! Yes, nakedness is exactly right! As for the crow/vulture–we are not condemned like Prometheus and it is possible that–come to the showdown–the lion would lay down and kiss our feet just like the old tale says. But you first, after you . . .
It’s a veritable menagerie! ;p Thank you, Susan. I love your thoughtful, creative comments and appreciate your reading my work.
Like I said the other day, this is powerful! I love it!
Thanks, Joy, twice, even! ;p <3
Writing what you are afraid to say reminds me of what a Buddhist teacher was told by her teacher. “Go to the places that scare you.”
Yes, I think it’s the only way to grow. Thanks so much for reading, Galen!
Nice poem. Open and exposed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Beautifully and fearlessly expressed, Adriene. Your teacher told you well.
As always, love your writing, my friend!
Blessings!
Blessings to you as well, Martha. Thank you! <3
You have a nice fluid style. I liked it.
Thanks so much, Maggie!
intelligent wordplay using the ‘crow/vulture’ image. Whether ‘crow’ or ‘vulture’, a poet always overhears himself but real poem comes when he looks at himself as a total stranger.
-Poet Desh
Thanks so much for your kind words and insight, Desh!
I really liked the imagery, especially of the crow that’s really a vulture. And making that last statement about not worrying about who you would be without him, very nice. Not sure vulture meat would make a good meal though, lol. I wonder, would it taste like chicken?
Thanks so much for the nice comments, AJ. Doesn’t every odd meat taste like chicken? I’ve eaten a lot of crow in the past … ;p
I love the imagery of a vulture on your shoulder. I suppose we all have some bird or the other on our shoulders and we should all strike it down and eat it for dinner.
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/11/breaking.html
Fried, baked, grilled … ;p Thanks as always, Rimly! <3
I believe that without that ‘crow on your shoulder’ you would be free and uninhibited to truly be ‘yourself’; without walls. Excellent poem!
Much appreciated, Mary, thanks!
Very fluid style. I like it when you said that you were ‘naked’.
Oddly enough, I suspect that everyone at the table probably is worrying about his/her own transparency. Thanks for reading, Muriel!
A – I think you just did that – knock that soul-sucking vulture off your shoulder. Every time you feel his presence read your own words to remind yourself that he (or she) is only doubt manifested without cause or purpose, except for to destroy that which makes us glow – our passion. The fact that you are able to articulate your emotions and harness the energy on the page tells me you have the power to knock that ole crow off your shoulder. Anyway, beautiful stated.
Thanks so much, Brenda. I believe that self expression, no matter how we do that, goes a long way toward combating negativity. <3<3
I love how you not only knock him off your shoulder, but eat him too.
Great poem.
Thanks so much, Jessica! I leave no prisoners! ;p
Beautiful…every word of it.
Thank you so much, Janu. <3
An excellent piece! I can really relate to it.
Thanks, Eva!
What an eloquent way to describe facing our fears. I still have that damn crow/vulture on my shoulder. =P
Gotta wrestle it down, Samatha! <3
I’m reading firsth time your poem,Now “I am to be shake” it’s neat and fliud”I like it
[...] D. Joyce presents The Poetry Workshop posted at Sweepy Jean Explores the (Webby) World, saying, “This poem actually was the result [...]
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks for your kindly message I will be follower
You’re welcome. I enjoyed what I read.
Scream and say your followers”Please leave your ambitions at vestibulary before read my poem and novel”
Thank you greacefullty to reply my message( by the way sorry to my knowledge of Englihs)
Don’t ever apologize for being you. Not everyone speaks fluent English. You’re doing a great job.
Thanks so much for your comments on my poem, Selcuk!
Thank you so much, Kitty!
You’re welcome.
I love it –I relate oh so very much! As I was reading, on the inside I was screaming –me too, me too! Excellent….
Thanks so much, Amy. <3 I love it when people can relate in one way or another to the things I write about.