Filling the Emptiness

In my ways this pen
has always found a reason
to find itself in between
my hands.

Sometimes I take the time
to ask if this is it,
when truth rushes in
to fill my spirit as ink swirls
upon my skin.

I am not afraid of storms that breathe
into this poetry I write,
because all its winds lead me
to those places,
where I can feel.

Does a constant need
bring excitement
leaving us sailing away on songs
lying at the bottom of our hearts?
Is this the place
we roam?

A place where memories keep hoping
we will let them in
as they surround the years
rising to sing in a key
our voices never meant to sing again.

Do not tell me I break the rules
when I try and turn
the wheel of fate.
You know I will always be the one,
trying to fill the empty air
with song.

But tell me,
how does one close up emptiness
when it’s been there so long
even the world
thinks it’s part of the air
they breathe?

In my ways this pen wakes me,
gives me back my heart.
Delighted,
I find myself wondering
if I should sign my name,
or pour this emptiness I filled,
back into my pen
and part.

Author's Note

*dedicated to My friend Lisa F.

A poem about the decision we as writers make as to whether to scrap or share a piece of our souls..........our work.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

Maybe, just maybe we forget that people who write are actually using their imagination .. soooo, who's to know if we write fact or fiction?!

Until fairly recently I was wary of being as open in here than in my 'first world', various folk had misinterpreted things I 'said', so i hurt, reacted maybe foolishly. Now I do what I want; people who bother to read between the lines know the truth.

Your wonderful poetry says much the same but in such a regal, subtle way, Neva .. your phrasing is second to none, I really taste your words and lick my lips afterwards - whatever the theme! Liza will be so very grateful for what you're saying here

There's both sadness and joy in this poem, dear friend .. both as fine as the other, 'You know I will always be the one, ~ trying to fill the empty air with song.'

[Pale Rose]

The meaning came across very clearly, good job. I can relate to this because my own writing is often deeply personal. It's a bit scary to be putting yourself out there! But then you find that other people see themselves in your writing, and that makes it ok. But anyway, I love this poem, it's about a struggle I think we all deal with on WritersCafe. I especially like the 6th and 7th stanzas. It has a very rebellious and challenging air to it. :)

[White Ink]

Very.. very wonderful.

[Kenneth The Poet]

I like this. You have written beyond beautifully about what it is to be a writer. I love this genre so much!

[Jvl narasimharao]

When I ask my self why Neva writes in the same manner? inspirational, you wrote altogether differently.You are a class apart.It is the pen which unites you and I who live so far and have not seen each other

[Elephants & Coyotes]

And, you made so much of it.
Fantastic piece.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hard to express what you feel and who you are. Few are brave enough to tell a story for teaching and educating if we are lucky. I like the way you described the fear of a name on a piece of literature. Many great people were blocked and ban for telling the truth. 10 years ago. Gore was a fool. He doesn't look so dumb today. A amazing poem. Made me think too much again. A excellent poem.
Coyote

[Thea]

Aw, very nice dedication..."In my ways this pen wakes me,
gives me back my heart." So beautiful poem...Writing is my best friend...Well done here, Neva... :)))

[Enigma]

Everytime someone writes for the sake of writing and pouring out the feelings, giving words to the emotions surging inside, she/he shares a piece of that all-knowing soul, the essence of his humanity, his personality with everyone. Its a beautiful feeling to receive a hand-written letter from someone you love, its a sheer pleasure and a matter of pride to weave a chain of wonderful words and call the creation your own. We, as writers, experience it. It is an uplifting experience, a gateway to a peaceful and enchating realm. In short, writing always makes me feel good and when I get appreciated for the same, its like the icing on the cake.

Your poem is all about that. A dilemma or write or not. I glad its the former that is decided upon. Excellent write. :)

[Marie Harrison]

This poem spoke to my heart.
We do make our selves vulnerable
when we share our poetry with each other.
But we also gain from others sharing their
heartfelt poetry with us too.
For me, I've learned more about myself
through writing poetry than I knew before.

[?]

And you expressed this so well. I scrap alot, I do mean alot. lol
What a wonderful ending with the last stanza.
Another fab. piece, I enjoyed reading this one