rhetorical

artwork by christiane vleugels "zhivopis"

you say it is a rhetorical question

but the truth is i need to know the answer

my mind tries to find it

swinging up, down, all around

like a mechanical arm

possible answers flowing

like water through a fountain

up, down, back again

the laws of physics be damned

i think i know the answer

but the words coat my tongue 

like chocolate syrup on a spoon

my brain will not allow me to give them a voice

frustrating

warm breath is all that leaves my lips

yea, i know you said it is a rhetorical question

but now i've made it my life's mission to find the answer

Reviews

[Re-Pete]

very unnvervingly relatable. i must confess that rhetorical questions have always bothered me, very unsettling as they are leaving me uncomfortable. any unnecessary rhetoric for that matter. we just want to cut to the chase and get to the heart of the matter/truth. unexpectedly off the beaten path. but sometimes we discover other things about ourselves while we're waiting for an answer or solidifying our own thoughts on a matter. now you've got me wanting the answers to an awful lot of questions. maybe someday when i'm ready. good stuff Lydi ... :)

[Lydia Shutter]

So glad you could relate, Pete....it is unnerving, absolutely. We may never know the answers. Thank you for your review. Lydi**

[andrew mitchell]

The question is like reassurance “ am I doing alright so far” A great write Lydia.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Andrew. You really went back in my poetry to find this one! Lydi**

[andrew mitchell]

Yes it came up as related writing, so I dived in, glad I did.

[barleygirl]

Your tangled account of how some people play with another person's head, using rhetoric or satire or being flippant to avoid honest gut-level expression -- this is my childhood family. I love how you use a bunch of imaginative imagery to show how topsy-turvy it can feel when seemingly in a tussle of words with someone who doesn't intend to be forthright! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks for understanding, Margie! I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing use of words and thoughts dear Lydia.
"the laws of physics be damned
i think i know the answer
but the words coat my tongue
like chocolate syrup on a spoon"
Chocolate syrup on a spoon. Always a sweet temptation. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

John, you sure have read a lot of my words tonight. Thank you once again, my friend. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome dear Lydia.

[Desert Knave]

Beautifully written and so much left to the imagination of the reader. Nicely done. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks a lot, Jim. Hope things are going well for you. Lydi**

[kentuck14]

Interesting theme you've pulled together! Is there really such a thing as a "rhetorical" question?!
T

[Lydia Shutter]

:) is that a rhetorical question? Thanks for the visit. Lydi**

[Pryde Foltz]

A wonderful existential and yet romantic write. What is the answer to living indeed; I am still looking for the right question:)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Pryde. Lydi**

[Tom]

A poetic perusal, beating about and around the bush can be frustrating when all we desire is a straightforward answer!

Marvellous metaphor and imagery my friend!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Tom. Lydi**

[R.E. Ray]

Your poem made me ask the question why we ask rhetorical questions, and I propose such questions reveal more truth about the person asking than anyone. Perhaps we want others to validate us, our opinions, our perspectives, etc.? I think only the person asking such questions can know the answers, and maybe that's the mission you reference in your last line. We seem to travel life's path seeking validation for everything we experience. A truly enjoyable work, especially with artwork.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so right. When one asks a rhetorical question, one is usually just seeking approval or validation. Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I appreciate it. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your conceptual thinking is wisely worded. I liked the line about your words coating your tongue like chocolate syrup on a spoon, your brain never allowing you to give them a voice. No questions to decipher here. Great flow!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Kelly! Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Probably why that great phrase is always used. 'The truth is out there'
The answer is just round the corner. Some answers you just never get to know, the genie stays locked in the box.

[Lydia Shutter]

How true, Paul. Thanks so much for the review. Lydi*