I Am Small

The flames on the candle invite the hands of the clock to tea
I am small.
They'll bicker and argue
And vote on the number of pages in a book they haven't read
I tally the votes because it's easier then explaining a story
To objects in still moments

Don't you dare call those words genius, for
I am silent.
None ever could be, I start again
Small symbols, each a phonetic sound without conscience
The story was always in your ear
So call yourself a genius
After all, you heard what is so rare

Burn brighter when you're the candle
And move slowly as time
If you drive the shadows away, I'll hate you
If you make them dance, I'll sing
And if the flame goes out, I'll hide the smoke
By chanting, "They're only words"
I am small.

Author's Note

Ignore the copyright at the bottom. It's a damn lie.

Reviews

[A.j.]

I enjoy this piece. It has a very manic, late-night/early-morning feel, like it's 3 in the morning and something is eating at you. Of course, I could be way off. This is a very interesting write with great pace, and somewhat off imagery that really made me pay attention.

I particularly like these lines:

"If you drive the shadows away, I'll hate you
If you make them dance, I'll sing"

Last thing, it does seem there are a couple commas or periods that are missing. Other than that, the tone was great. Thanks for a good read!

[alesuriko]

I really liked the cynical tone of this poem, so sardonic and bitter. "Don't you dare call those words genius" that's my favorite line... it sounded like someone who is frustrated with people always blowing things out of proportion and giving them so much credit and praise for all these skills that the speaker doesn't care about. The part about the "hands of the clock to tea" reminded me of "A Mad Tea Party" chapter of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, especially with the "it's easier then explaining a story / To objects in still moments" really Mad Tea Party-ish. Also I'd like to point out that you used the wrong "then"... you should be using "than" in that sentence instead. Other than that, wonderful poem. Intensely expressive and intriguing.