What Poetry can Heal

circa 2005, about poetry as an escape

In the arid heat of a summer day-
I thirst and sweat as children play.
Though miserably hot,
Am I not.
I brought a poem-book to-day.

As I read of times long past.
Of happiness, or sea-ship mast.
Of heat fatigue,
I am relieved.
I feel ocean's breeze as it blows past.

In the sorrow of a funeral rite-
I mourn over prayers recite.
Yet weep I not,
For I have brought-
The rhymed tales of fey and knight.

As I read of ancient wood.
Of Queen Mab, or Robin Hood.
My salty tears-
And future fears-
Are far away in lands of good.

In frustration of writers' block.
I write in vain, suffer from shock.
So I retreat-
To pages neat-
Of older poets now 'neath a rock.

As I read of love and death-
I sigh myself a relief breath.
My loss of words,
These poems cure.
My thoughts are no longer suppressed.

Reviews

[Antonio Valentino]

Absolutely magnificent! I picked a winner right off the bat. The titile led me here, but the words I will keep for countless moments.

Hard to explain, but this first stanza:

"In the arid heat of a summer day-
I thirst and sweat as children play.
Though miserably hot,
Am I not.
I brought a poem-book to-day."

brought a sense of comfort that leaped out of my throat in a short gasp of joy.

This verse as well:

"As I read of ancient wood.
Of Queen Mab, or Robin Hood.
My salty tears-
And future fears-
Are far away in lands of good."

Was a real delight.

Really liked the use of suppressed to rhyme with death and breath.

Fantastic Aimee, this one goes into the vault.
Antonio

[ReversingEvolution4TheB..]

I rate this very highly. You not only used a fluid method of writing, but it flips off the tongue VERY easily. I do have to quote a section of text you've written:

"As I read of ancient wood.
Of Queen Mab, or Robin Hood.
My salty tears-
And future fears-
Are far away in lands of good."

I was very impressed with the tone and message of this verse. You've inspired me with this piece, and I can't say there is anything wrong with this at all. I'm impressed. I say keep up the good work and keep bringing me more mind-stimulating pieces to keep my complicated mind alive.

Overall I rate this a 100/100. Hell, even the content was perfect.

Again, thanks for posting this and keep writing. You've gained credibility with this piece.

Write On!

[fireblossom]

I like this poem. It has form and freedom.

From an older poet yet above the rock... :-)

[Ralphy]

Aww Tristan, this is quite elegant. I love the way you shape your metaphors around the heat gracefully move towards healing. To speak of the older poets brings a touch of class from the past. We tend to get lost as writers when a haze inhibits our writing. So it was quite cleaver to us the poets of old to release that writers block.

I like the flow, and the mood...it made me feel good inside and really it gave me the cure to future dilemmas. wonder write, excellent form...hugs