poetry for us

I have to write my poetry all in one stanza--often struggling to enter a new line

and I have to connect all of my lines with these conjunctions 

so that the reader knows to try to pace the reading in some way

I never stay on topic

but I edit really well

I apply strange punctuation and conventions 

so that the reader knows when to slow down

and I anguish much too much over hoping it makes sense

and I worry that this hoping gets in the way of me ever developing a clear message

and by the time I get just one simple thought down 

many many more have appeared

and nothing simple is ever the results

And only twelve lines in

I'm already discrediting

line one

but, that's my prerogative, 

right?

This is poetry for my generation

This is poetry for me

and for those of you who are in  

That specific group of humans who came of age at that same specific time

We have had brilliant role models in whom we have found power and strength

They have inspired us to think and to feel and to introspect so that we could perhaps come to understand the world as only poets do

But they don't' represent us 

And really, 

they can't speak for us

And we're kind of f*****g up 

as a group or a generation (maybe cohort is the word)

Right here--

at this point in the poem--

I want to get specific

I want to address you all by name, 

but then I have this compulsory feeling 

that this is poetry for every one 

I must directly relate it to 

every 

one 

and if I reference pop culture then my poetry can't be timeless. 

I know that this isn't true and I know 

that just as a reference to God does not demand readers have faith

a reference to Gaga does not demand my readers completely relate.

Certainly, if Ginsberg can do it, then so can I.

And 

this is supposed to be poetry for me.

Our older sisters and brothers are doing quite well 

and our nieces and nephews are blowing our minds

They're representing their cohorts with grace and I find inspiration in them--Power and strength

But friends,

We have to get out there and tell our own stories

and I know that I haven't done that much 

but I'm trying to some

Here I've gotten down one simple song

and have no f*****g clue if I've made clear my meaning

I guess I'll keep writing

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i get it...and yes, you keep on topic so well...the topic of am i making sense---am i?

well often we are to more people than we think, and not just poets..

we can get the punctuation perfect and yet we think great form, crazy content.

and often our lives are like that.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree with the ending dear poet.
"Here I've gotten down one simple song
and have no f*****g clue if I've made clear my meaning
I guess I'll keep writing"
The above lines are what, we who love to write. Do. Keep writing. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Each one of us has our own poetic voice. We are all different. I heard yours, keep writing.

Chris

[Jennifer Patino]

I smiled the whole time while reading. I really, really love your voice & style. Excellent piece. You're very talented!

[Chris]

...yeah... that works.

I listened, you spoke clearly and well. BUT - always a but isn't there - we don't often control what others "see" within our thoughts - regardless of our clarity OR intent ...but we DO try.

[Davidgeo]

This poem has add. And a general anxiety disorder. Also, definitely bipolar but not full blown... it still made good sense. You should keep writing.

[sL]

I love that you diagnosed my poem. Thank you!

[Relic]

I would love to here Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost here you say "and have no f*****g clue if I've made clear my meaning" or "And we're kind of f*****g up." haha

Keep writing.

[Neville]

Never quit writing... you got your own style, keep ya chin up and enjoy it...

Neville

[Pryde Foltz]

A Gen X write if ever there were one. As a Gen X'er ... I get it. With nothing left for us to do we had to think up something new:)