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.
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 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Posted 1 Month Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
1 Month Ago
You are right. Thank you so much for the read and comment.
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 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Posted 1 Month Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
1 Month Ago
You are right. Thank you so much for the read and comment.
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...
Posted 1 Month Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
1 Month Ago
Thank you, Marie. I appreciate the read and comment.
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 was born in Oxnard. He has published 3 volumes of poetry. The Bullfrog Dreams of Flying, Artichokes, Avocados, and Van Gogh, and Seedy Town Blues. He has won several poetry contests. Hi.. more..