a poser's dilemma

.

a poser's dilemma

maybe old poets

ferment

like good wine

or 

turn green

not like an amateur

but like moldy bread

or

have loose stools

by their desks

incontinence of words

or

seal the leftovers 

too tightly

no leaks, no nothing from the pen

or

steal others' lines

rife with impunity

who would think sweet old poets could ever?

or

just lay their body of work

to rest in a grave

next to the ashes of the unknown poet

or

just disappear without a trace

or maybe just a trace

if we look hard enough...

the outline

a body?

or a body of work?

is there a name on the headstone?

or just 

"anonymous"---

a flagrant fool to his wares.

or...

erin-cilberto

4/3/22

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I have read poets who died young centuries ago. They are real to me and still taste like fine wine. Their emotions reach the heart centuries later. You never know who will be reading your words in the future. Your words may survive you. That's what a poet hopes for. Writer's are no fools to their wares
They live to write.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

or write to live...thank you so much for your words, Chris,
j.

[knighngale]

love the question Cilbeto. The end so perfect finality. i love that you read the bible. Fermament is in Exodus. Firs came the water, then the fermenent. I love it! Great read hon. I like to write about the bible. I might post one soon, love you so much Cilberto. You be nice. You be nice, hon, :D

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thanks for the kind review,
j.

[knighngale]

most welcome, dear, :D

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Old poets never die. They just get reedited. F.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, reedited...
thank you, Fabian...
j.

[John the Baptist]

If you're going to have loose stools, by your desk is probably better than in the middle of Time Square. Whatever, this one speculates on the fates of old poets. Don't see a single one that would tempt me. Still, it could be worse. Just ask Sir Walter Raleigh.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I will stay by my desk...thank you, John,
j.