A Small Place Above His Left Ear

Check out my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjeCroHYQxU

My friend asks
me where I get
the fodder for
writing my poems.
I tell him, life.
He says that's too
simple.
He isn't satisfied.
I tell him that
sometimes, I sit at
my desk and open
the window above the
litterbox, and look
outside at the
orange daylilies and
wait.

He says he writes
from a small place above
his left ear.
It tickles at times, but
often it's painful.
I nod and make a
note to call my
doctor about the
headaches I've been having.

He reads his posey at
the coffee shops while
drinking espresso and
chatting with the other
young poets in sweaters.
I tell him that I used
to live under a bridge,
I read my poems to the
savage river and the
Mallard ducks, and the
drunk friends that
wandered in for a drink of
vodka or a beer.
He says the little place above
his left ear is beginning to
hurt.

I walk him to the door and
tell him goodbye.
He asks if I will come
to the coffee shop to
hear him read his poetry.
"Sure", I say, smiling blankly.
After closing the door,
I sit and smile at the view from
my window.
I can smell the freshly cut
grass, and hear the
grinding wine of the
lawnmower.
A woman across  
the street is lying in
the sun.
She's wearing a turquoise
bikini and big sunglasses.
Just then, a slight hint
of coconut wafts into my room.
I get hard and pick up the pen.

Author's Note

My recent book, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is available on Amazon.com

Reviews

[red93]

Fabulous Thomas and you are echoing Bukowski strongly. I guess the States must be an even harder Nation than England in which to exist as Poet. At least here, Literature is a living part of the National Identity, albeit co-existing with some other low stuff. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

You are right. Thank you so much for the read and comment.

[Marie]

Inspiration for every poet who writes is different and there are two totally contrasting concepts which have encouraged both poets in this finely penned poem. Very interesting poem! Thank you for sharing, Thomas...

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, Marie. I appreciate the read and comment.

[Mariej]

Most welcome, always Thomas...

[Fairy Khan]

This piece contrasts two poets' sources of inspiration: one draws from life's raw experiences, observing nature and memories from living under a bridge, while the other writes from a conceptual "small place" in his mind. Your simple, direct engagement with life and nature, juxtaposed with your friend's more abstract and refined approach, highlights different creative processes and underscores the authenticity and groundedness in your writing. The ending ties back to the your raw, visceral connection to life as a source of inspiration. Beautiful.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. You are much appreciated.