Inspiration

I stopped writing for a while, I just wasn't able to do it. A friend of mine told me I should write a poem about not being able to write. I'd already done that, so I ended up with this.

Unveiling the wail of a wavering gale silent in the migraine of a wyvern’s diaphragm

An experiment rears its ugly head

The gears of death’s dreadnought reinvent oppression

Under iron words like bloodcurdling vertebrae

But the words don’t come

Behemoth’s in the Colosseum won’t speak the Phoenix of double helixes from the clearing of their spirits

The lyrics fall off the page because the spit from my tongue has rained so many songs inaugurating that the ink drips from my esophagus drifting in the eclipse nauseous off the cliff of initiative

Have I missed the last song?

Has my wit slipped down the rifts and cracks of an afterlife, has my fire died, is vibrancy dilating in the gravestone stagnating?

Am I just the last laugh cackling a gaffe cracking a whip of cinders serendipitous screaming clitoris in the urethra placenta of a fallen voice?

Has my guardian angel left me to do something with nothing but my bare bones terraforming glorious in the voracious hatred of my own devastation?

Please, don’t leave me behind

Don’t just leave me in this ditch after robbing me of everything I am

Everything I ever was, and what I could be

This mind has been circumcised so many times that I’ve been fucked with to the point of desperation, to the climax where I have ripped the skin from the flesh to mark myself with something meaningful

I am contemplating revelations of redemption, I live to crave the one thing I can do right

Give me the will to make a quill from my umbilical cord void and rebirth the rollercoaster curtains of uncertainty

Make me whole again, a slave to the page I serenade with your voice, and I will give a maelstrom of failures and bless your essence with maybe one or two successes, but I will never give up seeking perfection’s emptiness in the nexus of progression venturing every higher through the quiet leviathan of my mind surviving the tidal waves, until I drown malcontent in the alleyway’s bays fading away bathing in the ink think tank vaccination incandescent blessed inception with the sceptre to the depths of the death’s thunderous underworld depicts luminous the lunatic of wordsmith literature a disfigured blizzard in the inferno hurricane of the astral plane asylum’s aether cane reincarnation blossoming the needed operations of a ghost

Make me whole, Beowulf

Let me lift your body of words, your epics of souls, collosus let me stitch my anthem back together from pocket rocketeer of antimatter caverns in your core, exploring the orbiting vortex overture of acoustic euphemism blooming human illuminating the cold stasis oasis of my mind’s bassist

I don’t mince words, but you made me eat them, swallowed like my poems are my own damn flesh choking until I can’t get the taste of wordplay off my tongue, the textured complexion of a renaissance of rose gold prose out the balcony alcove of my mouth, the cloaca damnation of my throat a lycanthrope, a vocal organ orchestrating salvation

My song the rambling piano howling of a hellhound cannibal catapulting wrangling evangelical rebellion, willow wisps of animalistic amphibians amplifying geysers on the wilder horizon's dialect of the rampaging chasms of my stanzas scavenging cadavers like a labyrinth dabbling the madness avalanche of cataclysmic rhythms forgiven by the chivalrous vindictiveness of a ditty of oblivion

Whimpering crimson religion of pentagram flamboyance with a smudging of my blood, the ink my message, my flesh, my essence

Take every emotion fresh from the ocean crevasse and challenge the champions of language, the synapses' anguish of a hangman’s adventure a praying mantis amputation of an acolyte's homicidal bride the black night of writing, the poltergeist rising tyrannical through the satanic candlelight of a starry night’s sky the silver eye like a moon looming over illusive clovers of poetry

All poets are driven and gifted by the rhythmic lust combusting within their lungs, the need to graffiti their minds dendrites through the grunge

Those who are satisfied by words alone will never taint a page’s skin in ink

My flesh has bared so many of the b*****d children you named poems

Prose revenants of heaven’s breath deafen the senses of sonnet frolicking the memories of a leprechaun's vengeance

I edit their first moments through dismemberment, your heavy-metal armageddon black devastation resonating devilish

With that mutilation rejuvenating my free-spirited deviant freedom the ink mayhem I write the asylum linking pages bright incinerating brazen off the solace of these wyvern’s names in inspiration’s praise

Hoping for a dragon’s vagabond Ragnarok to reclaim honour for the diabolical obelisks of hollow souls who have never heard a poem

A whirlwind of words hurricane vapour, and scream the cerebral spine grapevine semen demonizing evening of your name’s articulation

Discriminating the devil of literature's obituary, made a maelstrom of artisans, from the cartilage of nirvana's arson, harvesting the dictionaries, mothering infinite visionaries

Author's Note

A big thank you to a friend of mine who told me to meditate in order to write and the proper state of mind to write. That helped me, and I greatly appreciate it!

I very seldom reply to reviews, but I promise I read EVERY single one. I look forward to my next review, because it helps me learn. Even if it's just one word, I promise, I will be ecstatic to have the chance to hear what you have to say. Whenever you write something about my poems, or the themes of my poems, or criticize me it is not in vain. I will listen, learn and be thankful.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This does not look anything like writers block to me! Hopefully this has ended your dry spell! I was focused on the first "installment" thinking -- this is a very original way to approach the topic of writers block. I love the way you conveyed the sense of being in an excruciating state of trying to get the words to flow again, using SHOW instead of tell, with vivid contorted imagery. But then I paged down & realized this goes on & on & on . . . a bit too much, I felt. But whatever it takes, I sure understand why you wouldn't want to turn off the spigot! You definitely show that you have a love of choosing interesting unusual words & you pay attention to how words sound together (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

Thank you so much for reading, and giving me some feedback! I tend to make really long poems, it's something that is hard to stop, when the words keep flowing. I promise that there will be short poems as well in the future, I'm just so happy you enjoyed it!

[JayG]

It appears that you’re trying to impress the reader with how literary you can be, and are making extensive use of your thesaurus. But the thesaurus was created to find the perfect word, not alternates that might sound more impressive. And the reader wants something that will move them emotionally, not set them looking for the dictionary. In this there's seems to be no cohesion of thoughts between lines, or adjacent words

Of course one might think you’re playing with a spoken word poetry generator to create this, but I know you wouldn’t do something like that and post it as your own poetry, right?

You did ask…

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

Well, I enjoyed writing this, and I'm happy with what I've written. You have the right to your own opinion, and I respect that, but this is my poem, so I'll write it the way I want to. I understand if you don't like it, you don't have to. If you still want to read it and suggest criticism, that's fine. But if you don't like the poem because of the way I wrote it, I am still the one who decides what I write, and how I write it.

[JayG]

Of course you can write it any way you want to...if you're writing it for you alone. But you posted it for others to read. And not taking into account of how a reader, who has only what the words suggest to them, based on what the words suggest to them, based on their background and experience, seems a bit short-sighted.

In Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience (or, Bunthorn's Bride), Mr. Bunthorn, a poet explains the, "Write 'deep thoughts' so as to appear to be very deep, with:
- - - -
If you're anxious for to shine
in the high sthetic line
as a man of culture rare,
You must get up all the germs
of the transcendental terms,
and plant them everywhere.

You must lie upon the daisies
and discourse in novel phrases
of your complicated state of mind,
The meaning doesn't matter
if it's only idle chatter
of a transcendental kind.

And every one will say,
As you walk your mystic way,
"If this young man expresses himself
in terms too deep for me,
Why, what a very singularly deep young man
this deep young man must be!"
- - - - -

Remember, we're not a poet because we declare ourselves one. Its when others calls our work poetic, and admire it for that, that we earn the title.

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

So your saying the meaning behind my words has to be there right, even if hard to understand? I appreciate the advice, since I admire your poems, but there is meaning here. It's not like I just wrote random words on a word document. I'm talking about the inability for me to write, the writer's block I had at the time. As I work through the poem, I slowly gain back my ability to write. The need to write, and earning the ability again, this is everything the poem is about. If you have any more suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. Maybe you could message me and we could talk privately? I promise I wrote this poem with meaning behind it, and love for poetry. I just wrote it a little differently than everyone else.

[apennylate]

He has nothing to say of use, mate... He blows hot air, if I may.. I believe, by his term of it exactly, actually...

"Remember, we're not a poet because we declare ourselves one. Its when others calls our work poetic, and admire it for that, that we earn the title."

Riiiight... So if I may say... I believe I have more "umph" in terms of people "telling me I am a poet"..
So...
Is one person not enough to exemplify the genuine character behind ones work? Do we not WRITE... To SAVE/REACH at least ONE reader? Is that, not then, fulfillment of a higher purpose? One has to merely look at his other writing to see the fantasy/lore driven style... You can NOT get this type of stuff out of generators... Just because he does not place neon blinking lights in his lines as to where your mind should immediately go... does NOT disqualify him from the rights to calling his work... In all honesty. Brilliant POETRY.

So putter on off outta here. I like this writer, and you are a bag of hot air. Your comment LITERALLY drips with un-useful criticism. I would not even call it critique... I would call it grandstanding for the pleasure of leeching true passion from others... Just stop. You would have to actually be able to WRITE good poetry, before you could tell this kid what is what, hahaha... Just no. You the best, Mr Potato... Do not bother replying to his type

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

Silente, you made my day. Thanks for having my back. I love poetry, though I write to relieve stress mainly, it’s pure enjoyment when someone reads my work and finds something they like about it. I agree with you, poetry is meant to shape questions in the mind, a safe place, or a nice flow, and even if the work is never seen by others, it could still be amazing poetry. If just one person likes my work, that is more than enough. Honestly, I’m a big fan of your flow. I remember a year or more ago you made a website for poetry, and I dropped by to scrolled through every now and then. Keep doing what your doing! You are a source of inspiration for many. Keep killing it with the flows.

[JayG]

• Thanks for having my back.

What you really mean is thank you for praising me. Remember, you ASKED me to look at this piece, so I assume that you've seen my critiques and my work. Have you looked at the work of the one giving the praise?

And keep in mind, Silente has managed to sell not a word of his/her work. On the other hand, I've sold in poetry, short, novel, and nonfiction. I've taught in workshops and, I've owned a manuscript critique service that has helped more than a few people to publication. So, you can listen to those who tell you what you want to hear, or take the step of learning what the pros feel a writer must know. Remember, I didn't tell you how to write, I told you to look into what the pros think you NEED to know, while Silente suggests that without a trace of that knowledge you're already perfect. Do you buy the idea that your work is already as good as that of people who are being paid for their poetry and fiction, with no more training than High School English classes?

How much time did your teachers spend on how to manage dialog tags, what the short-term scene-goal does, or even how a scene on the page differsd from one on screen? Zero, right? So you figure that prepares you to write a scene that a reader is willing to pay to read?

Professions are learned AFTER we leave high school, and writing fiction is a profession. No one says you need to know everything the pro knows, but if you don't take the step of learning the basics of what you're trying to do, and just assume that writing a million book reports and essays trains you to write fiction you'll Be in the position of wanting to BE a writer without first becoming one.

And as an aside...you still haven't convinced me that what you post isn't the output of a spoken word poetry generator.

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

I already know that I have to improve, but I'm working on that. I'm taking poetry and short story courses from university. You haven't shown me how to improve, but if you're willing too, I'd love to hear it. I don't intend to discredit you, it's just I'm learning all the time, and I'm happy with my style, but I'm willing to learn. If you have any advice, just send it my way.

[apennylate]

"And as an aside...you still haven't convinced me that what you post isn't the output of a spoken word poetry generator."

This is just asinine...

Also, as an aside... You know nothing about me, and you throw credentials at us like it justifies having zero objectively good critique. I do not care if you are Jesus Christ himself in writing form... You are being a smarmy "nose-looker-downer"...

Now you have changed your stance on what defines poetry? You attack people with opinion-based drivel, and then resort to lengthy lectures to cover up the fact you do not even respond to the facts of the issue at hand?

HE IS NOT PUBLISHING IT... Therefore, if that is not the case, and instead of an actual critique... You lambaste him for now following your set of "wizened knowledgeable facts"... AS FACT...
You sound insecure and hurt over the fact a writer leaves the boundaries of what YOU consider safe and well-written material.
That, I understand... Because to have perceived success will modify how we view others...
But to just accuse, and in such a manner...
"PROVE IT!"
...What are you... 13 years old?
Prove it yourself... Put the words into a generator and see for yourself... How the hell do you ask the perpetrator of accused crime... To incriminate himself? Are you high? When did we ask about professions? Do you read the authors note? The amount of "bias-blindness" here is astounding... First we read to comprehend... THEN we answer... I do not give "pats on the back" for nothing... If a poet deserves it, I give it...
For all the "success" you have had...
You seem downright petty and vicious me... Especially to an author PROFESSING TO BE WRITING FROM A PLACE OF EMOTIONAL OUTPUT ONLY...
My gosh...
Why do you not just send me another link to the definition of an ellipsis... Like you did last time you had nothing to say...? Except trying to personally attack your questioners with vaguely high-horse propaganda, whilst skimming the entirety of there responses with stunning voracity for self-prescribed reality. ...
TL;DR...
If goal is not for "paid to read", then give an actual opinion that could help the writer grow. DO NOT attack writer on a person basis, and ask said writer to prove him/herself "innocent based on absurd accusations made in a personal manner."
Lastly, as a pro-tip.. I would READ TO COMPREHEND, Jay, buddy...

[apennylate]

Potato, my man... Stop putting yourself into the perpetual motion machine of proving oneself to people who never were worth it in the first place... You will grind yourself down QUICK...
You are RIGHT-ON...
If somebody is going to give something meaningful to your life... They will do so.
Do not argue kindness from demons. If you DO get it eventually... And it WILL be like water from stone... It will just be a demons currency... Lies and excuses... I am not calling anyone a demon, mind you.. The actions prove what voice we lend ear 2, is all I am saying...

[R.J Calzonetti (SinisterPotatoe)]

Like Silente said, if I'm happy with my poetry, that's enough. But at the same time, I understand I have a lot to learn, and I don't pretend to be some all-star poet. Just the best I can be. I'm taking online courses in different forms of creative writing, and am learning to express myself in several ways, but improving on the styles as I go. I've only been writing for a few years. Jay, I'm sure even you had to start somewhere. I'm not here to say anything that might hurt anyone. I see that both of you put time into sharing your viewpoints, and I respect them both. Not trying to be some messiah of poetry, just trying to be the best I can be. If people like Silente are willing to read, then I'm willing to write. Thank you both for sharing your opinions, I'll try my best to improve. No one is 100% wrong or right here, this is a matter of perception. And while I agree with Silente, I don't disagree with Jay. In a few more years, come and check on me. I'm sure I'l have learned a lot by then.

[apennylate]

Sozz again to just come here and blow-up, my friend... Just like to hear the ringing silence from him whenever somebody calls him out on his hot-aired derogatory bs... And the silence rings, even when he types back, aha...

You DO have a lot to learn...

WE ALL DO UNTIL THE DAY WE DIE...

This is NOT a free-pass to personally attack people with asinine "critique" demanding things we literally can not give them. FAR outside the literary or creative spaces and bounds we are civilly confined to as fellow creators...
To push past those boundaries and demand personal satisfaction from the artist...

IT IS NOT YOUR JOB TO PERSONALLY PLEASE EVERY TROLL/DISBELIEVER IN THE WORLD...

All you can do is self-improve and use useless-haters like these dudes to fuel the fire to climb...

"If people like Silente are willing to read, then I am willing to write..."

Damn straight...

I will keep checking on you, and keep being astounded by how you have evolved my style into such a beauty...

As for Jay... I have dozens and DOZENS of poets who tell me they would not be where they are without me...

You are right... I declined monetary benefit when I started writing, I still do... But that is changing, and not because of lack of opportunities...
I stepped back from MANY jobs...
Because I believe the writers integrity as an artist is more important than selling out for a buck...
Crazy, I know...
But maybe, just maybe...
Being the inspiration and fostering force behind such an extreme power of writers...
That is worth more to me than any of your professional credentials, Jay...

PEOPLE...

Are the real currency...

Invest in what matters...

"No one is wrong here"

Had Jays review STOPPED AT THE CRITICISM, and not ROLLED THROUGH ONTO PERSONAL PLATFORM OF ATTACK...

I would totally agree

Peace, buddy...
Keep writing, and seriously...
You have got something special here....
Hone it down