Paper Jungle

A look at times past and my first career.

Paper Jungle

by Marshall Gass

I once lived in a paper jungle
conquered by post-it notes
and formulas for living
that didn't make sense.

Soon the paper tigers
came out of hiding
with memos and memorandums
growling fiercely at my recalcitrant
behaviour, until I quit and carried
my dreams into the wide open spaces
where predators were few and far between
with less incisors to cut you
into shreds of broken being.

I look back sadly
at those who did not take the escape routes
but stayed instead
locked in these cages of comfort
of malnourishment
living lives of quiet defeat.

The jungle is overgrown now.

Author's Note

Be critical, if you like.

Reviews

[John Anderson]

I really love this and the message in your words is wonderful. Great poem!

[Chris]

Nothing to be critical of... by my view. Welcome to WC.

It was a good read and quite truth-full.

[Matching Socks]

Love the poem!
I can relate. I'm a paper tigress. : )
This was fun to read, I have that mental debate with myself sometimes too.
Should I stay or should I go?
Great little poem. 2 thumbs up.

[Marshall]

Thanks Miss,
I went into your work yesterday and read all of them. Did not comment on any though. They were all good.I like your writing style, its catchy. The one about the penguin was very nice too.
I noticed you have checked out my work on AllPoetry.com. Yes, I have been on that site for about 4 mnths now. And HelloPoetry.PoemHunter etc. I switch poems from one place to another just to get a feel for the comments. Its pretty impossible to get comments outside in the real publishing scene. Funny how that works.
I actually like sharp criticism. That allows us all to redevelop the sagging bits in a poem. Plus it helps us grow some thick skin. I have copped some flak at times. Its a good feeling when someone says: This is crap!
I dont know if you are on AP too. I will check. If you had a hundred poems listed I certainly will spend lots of time reading them and making comments. Just the one poem of your which I read here got me hooked. Thats you and another poet named Laura AshleyFord. You two write so swell.
Cheers, before I keep rambling on about sunsets and sinners!
Marshall

[Matching Socks]

Yeah, I had to go check out AP because you've only got the one poem posted here, and I wanted to see more, and no, I am not on there so don't bother looking. Sharp criticism is good but it can be delivered with soft gloves. I believe this is what they call constructive. Unlike you, I prefer not to hear "This is crap!" I just started writing and I'm not really quite sure of my style yet. I'm still discovering. Would love to read your ramblings of sunsets and sinners. Can you direct me to where I might find those? ; ]