Your Own Special Spark

so I watched dead poet society. and just. so many tears

In school we are taught
that inside us we all have
a special spark,
a glow,
a small light.
but, then we are taught
that we must control
our originality. we are
told a spark is okay, as
long as it does not start
a fire. colour is okay as
long as it does not stray
away from the grey hues
you've been forced into.
you have a flower inside
you but if you're a girl
and yours isnt pink or a
boy who's isn't blue then
you are taught there is
something wrong.
this poem is confined
even, because as this
ink that flows from my
pen may stain paper, I
cannot write off the
page, for ink will not stain
the air, and lay in wait to
be read. even the most
beautiful art is still
confined to its frame, as
the canvas will not take
shape of the art to erase
blank spots left behind.
nor will the art ever leave,
explode from it's wooden cage.

Reviews

[Anand Sehgal]

but, then we are taught
that we must control
our originality. we are
told a spark is okay, as
long as it does not start
a fire.


talent should be cultivated with caution. loved this contemporary write :)
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[CRZ]

wow, amazing work. It rose the little kid inside me saying "YEAH." Society has been successful with building a system that got its people in the brink of insanity or maybe we already achieved it.
Reminds me of the saying
" People want to see you do good but not better than them."

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, you said a mouthful here. Every teacher says students should be individuals, but if too much artsy originality is shown, most will tell the student they have to conform. I liked the metaphor of even a grand oil painting being confined to a frame....very clever. Good write. lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

dead poets society is a thoroughly engrossing movie and story line. it does not surprise me that you were inspired to record your impressions....i attended Catholic school until i was a junior in HS...back in the 50's and early 60's...what you say is absolutely true...but your very special spark (and all others) can survive and explode the frame...like you.....also; perhaps writing off the page is possible...in doing so we return to life's moment ...to find the muse again...:)
E.
ps. i notice the strict rigid line down the left margin...very apropos

[Korrin Perry]

I love this. So much truth in the things that we consider "normal" when there is so much more to it. "we are told a spark is okay, as long as it does not start a fire. colour is okay as long as it does not stray away from the grey hues you've been forced into"-- Love this

[redflutterby]

Yes we are told "the sky's the limit" but often times we are boxed in by society's expectations of us based on gender, race, education and economic status. Quite the contradiction there. When it comes to creativity we are often limited by what is popular, what sells, what is considered to be quality. I guess in either case we must decide for ourselves and push to excel past what we are told. Amazing poem!!

[MsJewel]

You have shared such a wonderful message here - Always a delight to read your poetry. :) Julie

[Miss Marlette]

You said it all.

No other words from me can do justice to such an awesome write.

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a stunning poem about how society wants us to conform to what they think is normal. We are all unique and have issues so there really isn't any normal. I love how you turn this at the end to even writing. You cant write in the air. That was a great visual.

[Mark]

The genius of art is in the control as much as it is in the inspiration. I so agree.