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

[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**

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The image and poem are beautiful. These are words too which we can all relate. I can't help but think at how often women ask men, "What are you thinking?"

[Lydia Shutter]

:) I've learned not to even ask! Thanks for the review, Linda. Lydi**

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

LOL! Best response I've ever received … "Thoughts." I couldn't help but laugh.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... your Art is so mystical and takes you to a
place where butterflies leave specks of gold on flower petals.
It does take a lifetime to sip the nectar of love... a romance
of the Century has a dramatic effect and leaves an answer
in the smoke of a thousand candles. A smoking gun never tells
what happened. Your poetry has stirred my wonderment.
truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Glad you allowed your mind to wander, dear Pat. Thank you for reading and the visit. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

Lydi... this poem is one of your very Best poems, and there are many. As long as we are alive, we have a "Mission"... and perhaps even in our after life. Amen.. Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Pat, the fact you came back to this one after all this time means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

[emmajoy]

There's something about questions; even more about rhetorical ones. Seems the former are more 'IF' than 'WHAT IF'. Used as weapons, direct questions can be interrogative; firm but polite questions can be a touch inquisitive - depending on subject. In between those there are different patterns, again to do with the question. Maybe some people think of rhetorical questions as being more relaxed, informal, friendlier? Maybe the answer is to answer back with a pre-prepared manner... or, is that a rhetorical answer!?

Interesting post, Pete.. have you reached any conclusions, yet? :)

[Lydia Shutter]

You do know that Lydia wrote this, not Pete, right? I guess you were referring to his review....or is that a rhetorical answer? :) Yes, questions come in all shapes and sizes and can be quite invasive at times. Emma, thank you so much for your in depth review. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

I like answers. I don't like being left in limbo. Rhetorical questions just make a point, they don't offer the solution. I find that frustrating when I am looking for truth. I sense some frustration in your lines Lydi** and also a determination to find what you are looking for. An interesting poem and I am wondering what inspired this poem? Your posted artwork is gorgeous. You have wonderful taste in art as well as being a great poet.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Chris....such lovely things to say. Lydi**

[Neville]

Now ya got me thinking between winces and smiles and back again.. Nice one Lydi**.. now what was the question.. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, if I tell you, I have to kill you, Neville! LOL Thanks for the visit. Lydi*

[Neville]

I'm a dead man writing...

[Lydia Shutter]

LOL laughing here this morning!

[Neville]

.................... :) me too

[Robert Trakofler]

please pray don't give up your ponder play it will emerge thru some day to make the finest grand display I beg you embrace the crave dear O'lydia:) besides its nice to have company you know!!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh yes, I wouldn't want to be crazy all alone! :) I am and will always be inquisitive....it is a big part of my being. Thanks for the review, Robert. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and when others feel they know the answer, and we don't understand how it could be labeled a rhetorical question...it is so frustrating...
but we will look for proof that what we are thinking, is what it is...
no question marks allowed.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much for the review, Jacob. Lydi**