Perhaps Hemingway had Days like These

Perhaps Hemingway had Days like These

 

 

 

 

How long it has been
since last I penned

a plethora of words

 

where days and weeks

neurotically merged,

leaving me without prose

or metaphor to ponder

 

Perhaps Hemingway had days like these,
repeated attempts at metered rhymes
with nothing more

than a grocery list to show for

 

with nothing more

than a double barreled shotgun

in need of cleaning.

 

Author's Note

The last verse was written under the assumption that Hemingway’s death was accidental, caused by a shotgun discharging while being cleaned. I read that his last few years were marked by great physical and emotional suffering, as he was also treated with electroshock therapy, which instead of improving his condition, impaired his memory, making writing impossible. To no longer be able to do the one thing he loved most simply staggers the mind.

Reviews

[William Liston]

Though quite brief, this poem gives a strong impact, especially knowing what you provided in the author's note.
This is probably the most creative and original poem I've read about writer's block. I especially enjoyed the line "a grocery list to show for" because it perfectly describes how scribbled, uninspired thoughts often look on a page. On top of that, it lead to a killer ending. Well done.

- William Liston

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Will. I found your review to be my reward!

[CD Campbell]

I love Hemingway. I love the idea of Paris in the 20's and the creativity of that time. I'm also beginning to understand the march of years and the toll it takes. The words dont always come. The desire to take a stab at something truly great waxes and wanes. I think you nailed that feeling rather well and you did it with an exclamation point. Its a great read. CD

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you. It is a piece I am most proud of!

[barleygirl]

This is brilliant. Thanks for the authors notes becuz I wasn't aware of these details, plus I so agree that this would be torturous for him or any of us. I love the way your poem seems to equalize this "great" and put him on the same level as you & me, frailties & wasted lives, etc. There's something incredibly satisfying in the way you worded that last stanza, the subtlety, the irony, the understatement. Killer word crafting (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

Coming from one who is as articulate as you are, I am most proud of this review! A thousand thank you's, Margie!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

WOW! "Shotgun, bang! What's up with that" ... ending? It was totally unexpected but oh so appropriate. Hemingway aside, I think we have all felt this, the emptiness of having nothing to say. It can't be forced no matter how much you desire it.

Excellent!

[Kelly Scheppers]

So sorry I overlooked your review, Linda. I am thrilled you enjoyed it!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Sometimes life gets blurred in words and deeds.

Regards,
Al

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you dear friend! x

[Erudite]

Some of the best poems aren't the longest, and each word you've written actually says something. No redundancy here. I like the structure too. For some reason I'm a fan of breaking the typical structure in poetry, especially in the last stanza. Good job!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I write a lot of free verse, and gravitate to a brevity of words. Thank you so much for reading this piece!

[keith]

being an ardent fan of hemingway i was naturally drawn to this offering
that said, your verse stands on it's own
your author's notes support your genuine manner of respect for papa
he might have approved ... I don't know

he was a troubled soul ... a drunken troubled soul that had a connection with the keys of his typewriter that few have been qualified to challenge
he might have approved ... I certainly do

[Kelly Scheppers]

I thank you for picking this one to review - for showing some respect for papa, and perhaps a little nod my way!

[keith]

more than a nod deserved

[keith]

my favorite of his writings is a short story ...
'hills like white elephants'
it changed my perspective on life

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've never read that - but I'll look it up. My favorite novel was the Old Man and the Sea.

[Cassie]

This is not a writers block at all...this is good Kelly, I am the one who is on block, been there for so long I donno what to do to come out!!!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Sometimes, you just have to ride it out, Cassie. Please hang in there - the words will come. Thank you dear friend!

[Erudite]

It could help to write about other people's lives ideas or struggles. Even if it's just as an exercise, it might help you get the writing gears turning again

[Lydia Shutter]

The frustration of writer's block...I am certain every author/poet has experienced it. So many great writers were short in the sanity department....perhaps we all are a bit "off"...but, hey, that grocery list is written to perfection! :) Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

...so, so true Lydi! Thank you.

[Tom]

Must be Frustrating indeed when all that talent and passion is bursting to get out yet the words just won't transform into manuscript?

Innovatively penned and indeed, perhaps that how it felt at the time for H.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Tom. I am thrilled you enjoyed it! What a loss, indeed.