Where Do Poets Go

~For all the tortured poets on the WC and beyond...

“Heaven deliver us, what's a poet? Something that can't go to bed without making a song about it.” 
― Dorothy L. Sayers

Where do old poets go to die

are we ever laid to rest

could our words live on

into the cosmos for posterity

Old dusty book shelves our castles,

our pen the sword that exults us

Prose and rhyme that differentiate us from the masses

we the thousands that have won no accolades

only our peers to love our treasured words,

have signed no contract other than

the blood we've shed through our written word

will each tear, joy, delirium, every ounce of sweat

that has stained our poetry

metaphorically be our fortress in the sky

will we live on in the eyes of  those who dare to follow

to tread in our pages as we have those who came before us

“I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled [poets] to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.” 
― Socrates

Author's Note

captcha~aimless

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

I think the saddest thing I feel at times are my unread words. Especially here amongst my peers. I just sent an RR out on a poem that has been here since May. Its not a great thing but it has a place in my heart. And its never been reviewed.
Its part of the reason I review as much as I do. Because we poets - we are our words.

[Frieda P]

Tammy you break my heart, I don't think I have that in my RR's, of course they've run amuck...you're brilliant, so sorry you feel that way!

[TL Boehm]

RRs multiply when you aren't looking. Like watered mogwai.

[Frieda P]

Oh I know, I can't keep up....send it to me in a PM, I looked and couldn't find it on your page.

[Tom]

Deep and philosophical, your writings will certainly live on Frieda such is their magnitude and this one is up there with the very best of them!

[Frieda P]

So nice of you to say Tom, thanks so much!

[khalid]

very clear and right defintion for poets. even holy books are penned in a poetic way...

[Frieda P]

Thanks khalid, much appreciated.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Beautifully written, Frieda, and an apt example of the life of a poet. For me, there is always that constant nagging and burning to create, even when I want to throw a bucket of water on the fire. It never stops, it only becomes quiet on occasion. You ask questions that are deep and powerful...you've make me think with this one. My only hope is that my work touches people emotionally...perhaps helps them in some way to get through their own days or lives. You have captured this in sublime fashion.

[Frieda P]

We would surely expire if it ever stopped completely, thanks Friday!

[SyberRose]

I think my poems will be cremated with me as no one but my poet friends here read it now...
Nicely penned and thought provoking piece Frieda...Rose:)

[Frieda P]

Seems to be that way with many of us Rose, we share with our peers, no one else gets it ;-) Thanks muchly my sweet friend.

[wordwarrior]

Very deeply penned Frieda. You're right and one never knows who will read our work now or in the future, so it's wonderful to have places like this to share thoughts and the written word in all its forms.
Beautiful writing.

[Frieda P]

Amen wordwarrior, thanks so much.

[Emerald Seas]

We speak of the heart's deepest longings because the world at large is afraid and unwilling to be so revealed. Being a poet takes courage. You have that courage and you express it in the most exquisite ways. This poem is a treasure.

[Frieda P]

So kind of you to say Sirrah, I do so agree that poets are a courageous lot!

[Rob Santana]

We are different from the rest of the world. Most of us writers don't follow trends etc. I like being, its a turf life but I'm comfortable and I understand myself. Unlike others who waste their lives seeking approval from others. Where do we go? Well I know our words are inked on paper awaiting the next generation so we can comfort and motivate those eccentric (for lack of a better word) ones. Just like we were...

[Frieda P]

It sure does feel that way, doesn't it, nice to see you Rob, thanks for this lovely review my friend.....

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Great write, Frieda. I love the following lines, especially:

the blood we've shed through our written word
will each tear, joy, delirium, every ounce of sweat
that has stained our poetry
metaphorically be our fortress in the sky

Thank you for reminding me of the components of poetry. :)
Good day. :x

[Frieda P]

Jazzed you enjoyed Blue :-)

[werty]

! like this style. (: keep up the good work!

[Frieda P]

Thanks, and I love the new avatar!

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thanks a lot! :x

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Incredibly well written and so endearing... you are truly a gift among us, Frieda.

[Frieda P]

You humble me Travis, thanks so much my friend.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It is always well deserved.

[Mark]

Lovely words. really straight to the heart. I enjoyed this one a lot.

[Frieda P]

Thanks so much Mark, jazzed you did my friend.