The Pain of Poets

The Pain of Poets

The world is full of poets it seems,

writing out their pain

in cathartic stanzas

that spill in bloody red tears

down each velum page.

So much grief collected

in the gutters of lost souls,

leaving pale washed out hearts

to mourn in sad soliloquy sobs.

Free verse never free

but chained to brutal,

brittle angry torment.

Why is this earth so full

of such parochial pain?

Why are there so many

lonely bards

who must fill their sleepless hours

with words?

 

22/08/14

Author's Note

Reviews

[Leslie Philibert]

A good point; some use the Plathian road of introspection, too many maybe, if you want to be read it makes sense to apply to the universality of emotions, not just an individual dilema ( If this makes any sense
...probably not, but you understand what I am trying to say...)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

No I do agree and personally I have tried to move from topic to topic but like most, I guess it is the emotion of the day that 'wins the girl', so to speak. Many thanks Leslie.

[Ruth]

Damn....this is echoing inside...brilliant work hon, sheer brilliance! xo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You are very kind Poppy. Just wish so many people did not relate to it.

[Ruth]

No pain, no light hon...balance in everything :) xo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

What we all seek; a safe balance in life. But does one have to suffer to perceive joy?

[Ruth]

Well...its a debate isn't it, I wish they didn't love, really do, but beautiful people or artists don't just happen in my belief...they have all known pain...sigh...life, what a ride xo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes I believe you are right in 90% of cases Poppy.

[Dee]

I think many poets will relate to this work John.. Now I realise why I sit up half the night writing..
Wonderful work, I am eager to read more from your pages...
Bravo....Dee.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Dee. Likewise, descovering your writing has been joyful.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your ability to write something like nobody else, just resonates with me. I am so fortunate to be able to come here, every day, and read you!

Another favorite for me, John!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Kelly I am so thankful to be fortunate enough to have someone enjoy my writing. You are very kind, many thank yous.

[R Smith]

An apt description of us all scouring around for another line to fill our broken hearts but then it produces great work and art such as is yours John. Another brilliant poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Richard.

[Lyn Anderson]

Indeed, there are a lot of broken people singing their heart songs everywhere.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It makes poetry 'M'; I wasn't knocking it just observing it lol!

[Lyn Anderson]

Did I say you were dear? This is the problem with inferring inflection in text.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Oh I know that to my cost already, I was checking it out.

[Lyn Anderson]

:)---------------------------------------:)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Are those chains!?

[Lyn Anderson]

Ok, now you made me laugh. Just using up the characters between the smiles:)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Tis my joy to bring you mirth dear 'M'

[Sophy Freebirds]

Bloody red tears- i have a poem with that title.. yes John many people spill their emotions on papers to soothe themselves. Lydi is correct it is not always on the sorrow. Poems do express other sides too. But the question you've asked is quite introspective. Nice piece John :)

~Sophy

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sophy

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"Free verse never free/ but chained to brutal/ brittle angry torment"

great lines, nice alliteration...yes, we are chained to our torment and what else to do but write it out.

a poet's poem...

nicely done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

So many thank yous Jacob.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, but are all bards lonely? Is poetry always about the sad side of life? I don't think so. I think a lot of poetry is inspired by the beauty in life. It does seem, though, that many poets are tortured souls. T'is a shame. However, if writing is a catharsis, may they continue to splash their emotions on the page. Your poem is well written, John. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Lydi. You are of course right but I was merely recognising many poets, not just on WC, suffered pain which led them to focus their pens.

[Frieda P]

You've got me all chocked up with this one John, why indeed? We live our words.... Poets are a rare albeit brave breed, we purge our feelings whilst others delve into other therapeutic measures.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

So long as they are therapeutic and don't simply prolong the pain my Lady!

[Frieda P]

Look who's talking.........

[John Alexander McFadyen]

No I control my pain. It does not control me. I let it out for walks now and again but keep it on its leash and I am prepared for life and to take more chances.

[Frieda P]

You must have your big boy kilt on...'controlled' pain, now that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one, you drugging your poems?...........

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Well by definition it is not an oxymoron as control and pain do not have opposite meanings, but I forgive you for calling me a moron!

[Frieda P]

Pfft, pish and tush...............