I Don't Write Anymore

maybe its just a poetic excuse

I don't write anymore. 

It's not that I can't,

I just don't want to put on paper

anything I may abhor.

I don't write anymore,

and yet my soul aches every day

for that chance to explore

the world as it seems

through paper and ink,

its rivers and streams,

and how it makes me think...

and think....

and think.

But I don't write anymore

because I blink

and the thought is gone.

I don't write anymore.

Sometimes I fear its because

the world just isn't as beautiful 

as it was before.

It's purples and greens,

and how vivid my dreams were

in that time 

before sleep was a chore.

I used to write late at night

when even the mountains 

were tucked in tight

under layers of snow.

I could hear them breath

that sleepy breath

cold and slow

and full of rest.

And it felt like home,

that sound would be my 

metronome.

I would write for hours 

which felt like years.

There were no mistakes

because I had no fear.

Each line that I wrote

carried such allure

with truth and meaning

that felt undoubtably pure,

but now, you see, 

I just don't write anymore. 

Reviews

[M]

A very relatable theme for most. Those who love to create never fall out of love with creating. Life just gets in the way sometimes and our own expectations may stop our pen from moving. I am such a person that prefers quality over quantity in my own writing, so sometimes that means my own writing comes at reduced speed to others. Other than that, staying original and away from drowning in cliche just makes the creative process harder. It all depends on how much we value what we create. You describe a conundrum that most will understand from their own experiences. I enjoyed your poem.

[fallon]

Thank you! I am happy you related to it. I agree…. Quality over quantity is important to me as well.

[willweb]

The old saying, edited for this comment..."I don't write anymore, but I don't write any less" Indeed things change, dreams change, visions change and we change with them though the ability to write is a gift I believe and to stop not as easy as it seems. Though I have chosen to hit pause for a while and have done so over the years, to stop completely...not sure that can happen whether we ever pick up a pen (sit at a keyboard) or not. Somewhere inside I believe all writers write at all hours of the day or night. I really enoyed this. my first poem of yours.

[fallon]

Why thank you. Also, I really like your outlook. We never stop…. We just hit pause for awhile. It sure beats fretting over whether or not the creative juices will ever return. I am happy that you enjoyed the poem!

[Ken e Bujold]

beautiful poem here Fallon. While I suppose one interpretation, the obvious one perhaps, is that of a writer struggling with the emotional weight of life, deciding that pen and paper don't sufficiently fill the void.

However I think there is another way of viewing your poem: I don't write anymore can be seen as an affirmation of the poet and poetry. That the artifice of writing has been stripped from the process and the poem that emerges is like the mountain spring that eventually flows to the sea. An impulse that simply is what it is.

enjoyed the visit

ken

[fallon]

Oh I like that second interpretation!
I remember reading something long ago about a famous poet. I can’t even remember who it was. She said that a poem will come to her suddenly like a wave and she must run to get pen and paper to write it down or it may pass her by. I always thought that was so beautiful.
Your second interpretation reminds me of that. As though the story or poem is already out there in the ethos and the writer is simply the vessel to put it on paper.
Thank you for sharing your interpretations!

[emmajoygreen]

Am wondering if at times, unexpected times -finding a poem is like writing a difficult letter of apology or sorrow: words are there at core but the heart-wed mind has to find the how-what? Emotion and creation can tustle to such an extent the brain rebels, focus becomes stressful. Maybe that is how you feel right now. But your art IS there, hiding - hidden in your creative past. There's no doubt you are bearing the seed, dear friend.. and it will be born in a while, meanwhile - perhaps, a few uncomfortable twinges!

[fallon]

Right on miss Emma Joy! Your reviews are always written so beautifully.
I am indeed here waiting for that seed to grow into a tree like I used to know. Slowly getting back there but in a new and more mature way!

[emmajoygreen]

Just read again, your words are threaded so well! Hope all's well.

[emmajoygreen]

Two wells might make a flood, sorry!

[fallon]

lol, thank you! I was just thinking I need to get back on here again. I’m going to resurface.

[emmajoygreen]

Yayyyyyyyyy! (to allow ten characters)

[Chris Shaw]

A wonderful composition, so well expressed. Loved the flow and simplicity in word choice. So effective. There will always be times when writers don’t write and for many reasons. Relatable.

Chris

[fallon]

I wanted to make it so it would roll of the tongue easily.
Thank you for your lovely review. I’m happy you related to it!

[Dennis Wolf]

This is what I mean when stating that our creative drive is like the cruelest slave driver.

[fallon]

Cruel indeed! But a necessary evil!

[Dennis Wolf]

Yes, necessary, otherwise we wouldn't be here.
Hmm

I'm nobody to talk, and your attic is probably overflowing with this, but I'd advise against 'not writing' even if you don't post it here or elsewhere.

Cheers.

[fallon]

I promise to never stop!
Although by this point in my life I doubt stopping is an option. It is where I usually find comfort. Perhaps you feel the same.

[Dennis Wolf]

Sometimes. At others, it makes no real difference because each new creation only serves to undermine what little sense of accomplishment I got out of it.. because, better than anyone, I know my shortcomings and they glare at me from the pages when I write hehe

grrrr sorry for the essay hehe

[fallon]

That’s about right, isn’t it. But in the end it feels better than not writing at all

[Dennis Wolf]

Yes, for better or worse.. We're stuck with it.. Writing I mean

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

The way this is written, simply artistic, like an art in being simple. A good art. A good example of simplicity. It goes perfect with the title. Idk if you understand what I mean. But the poem is very good. Tyfs

[fallon]

I do understand what you mean…. I think. Like there is beauty in simplicity. And thank you. If you meant what I think you meant, it is a mighty fine compliment!

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Yes. People who don't write anymore write simply, but not this good. Were you trying to be simple for the title? You did it well.

[fallon]

Well thank you!

[nadia dmitri]

Such profound and beautiful words. Writing is more than an 'activity', it is taxing in amazing yet difficult ways, you capture that so well. Your personification of mountains is my favourite part. Amazing job, this was a wonderful read :)

[fallon]

thank you Nadia! It is a bit taxing isn't it?
Ah those mountains.... they are old friends of mine. I do miss them these days.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

[Ayvid N]

Your words tell the reader, how much you love to write. Writing completes you. Writing is a part of you and it defines the You. Aside, it is a very productive, engaging and invigorating hobby too. So please keep writing, even in the face of discouragement and your readers will appreciate you very much. Beautifully written.

[fallon]

Thank you miss Divya! I promise to keep writing. It does mean a lot to me, you are correct and “invigorating” is a great word to describe how it feels!
Thank you for your lovely review!

[Ayvid N]

I'll be here to read your poems so please do write. You're most welcome.

[Throwing Romeo]

Funny i just fell in to this....
Was checking to see if the
word tucked was appropriate
In a story i wrote, then clicked
on you. This poem clicked
with my melancholy mood
tonight. Cleverly told poem.
lucky me. Thanx dear poet.
Nice!
R.

[fallon]

Well I am happy you stumbled onto it and it suited your mood! I guess it was just meant to be!
Thank you for your read and review

[Throwing Romeo]

clink' Cheers!