HOW CAN?

This is a lament. When a man's dream dies, it's natural to sorrow. But he's got to move beyond sorrow and the help of quacks. Yeah, he's got to move on.

I'm trying to imagine
how it feels, making music
When no one wants to listen
to the lyrics.

The song is dead
and yet the drumbeats won't cease.
Teardrops won't stop germinating
the expansive spread
of poems we thought deceased

There's a storm as heavy rain falls,
but the soil is not wet.
The sun shines in a night
brought on by wicked swarms
but everywhere is still dark and wet.

How can there be fire without flames?
and how can flames dance without heat?
We thought that crying is solely the domain of dames
Are we surprised to see the tears of hunks fall like sleet?
They shamelessly play the blame game in their quest for fame.

Rats are everywhere and
cats are everywhere
but we see no rat dead.
The experts came with lots of flair but only got seared and scared.
Their shrieks were the stuff of nightmares; loud enough to wake the dead.

Our greatest fear is now here and it's
the death of a dream.
makes the heart bleed to the extreme
But don't cry.
Again, we must try.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Hi there,
It has been quite awhile since I have read or reviewed any poems... This past week I did post a couple of new ones.
Your poem is quite good and speaks to me of hope... Hope is what makes us continue...
All my best,
Lisasview

[Akinlolu]

HI Lisa. You were the very first person to tell me what was wrong with my second poem or so on writerscafe. Thanks for taking time to read my work again.
Akinlolu

[Lisasview]

You are so very welcome Akinlolu...
I am glad to be back....

[Mauricio Montoya]

Poetry is open to interpretation, The title , How can, love the intro but why did the music die, no it was not the music but the words because no one wanted to sing them. No one wants accept the truth until we try again. Then we can accept failure., love the ending we must try again. Thank you for sharing.

[Akinlolu]

Your thought on this is DEEP, Mauricio. Thanks for the insight

[Mauricio Montoya]

No I was blind, but see the light, great write.

[Akinlolu]

Wow! Thanks

[Daz]

Interesting poem that made me think of my life right now. I really appreciate the hopeful ending.

"Our greatest fear is now here and it's
the death of a dream.
makes the heart bleed to the extreme
But don't cry.
Again, we must try."

Nice one Akin

[Akinlolu]

Hi, Jodash. Thanks for reviewing my poem. I'm glad this made such an impression on you.

[Akinlolu]

Thanks NormaZ. It's a xarthstic poem from someone who was going through hell. At the time, I was hoping I would come out intact. I did eventually come out but not intact. I came out with scratches and scars. But after decades, and in retrospect, I've come to value the horrible experience that birthed that poem. Why? It helped me grow tremendously..
Akinlolu

[NormaZ]

Very powerful poem! It feels so heavy, but with a touch of hope at the end, a way to heal perhaps, or move on?

[W. Barrett Munn]

A tragic yet uplifting message.

Winston

[Ken Simm.]

I would say this is dystopian except it is still happening now. Extraorndinary poem.

[Akinlolu]

It's dystopian, no doubt. It was my reality for a couple of years and then I woke up and decided to move on. I guess, it's a more common experience than we think. I also guess it isn't necessarily an experience strictly limited to individuals. Even nations do cry. Thanks for the review sir.

[Ken Simm.]

I am both sorry and double impressed with this if that is the case. And you are most welcome. Best Ken.

[Arundass TP]

This is a great poem reviewing the actual facts touching many vital social behaviour. Great poem 👍

[Akinlolu]

Thanks Arundass. I'm glad you found this poem interesting. I appreciate your brief but encouraging review.
Akinlolu

[Soren]

Several good questions that deserve answers. Most frustrating when no one wants to listen to words, Things that we expect do not always happen and we find it hard to accept. The death of dreams is the worst of all. Thigs to think about. Nicely written.

[Akinlolu]

Thank you, Soren.

[Ken e Bujold]

Your opening verse is so magical. What every true poet yearns to answer.

This is my read of yours Akinlou and I find so much to enjoy. The youth of your words rings out strong and vibrantly, painting a great word/worldly image. So full of life's great metaphysical questions. And the poem's last line is what one would hope to hear: Again, we must try.

As one who has crossed many rivers, and can see the wadi drying up before me, I am always thrilled to find new young lions ready to devour language. Will be keeping an eye on you sir

Ken

[Akinlolu]

Thanks for your kind review sir. I'm humbled.
Akinlolu