A Worthwhile Pursuit

Here's a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbj9bj58Txw

My mind is a
scrapbook of
tattered
memories and
ghosts that waltz to
sullen Cohen
songs in my heart.

Sometimes
it hurts
badly, like a
rotten tooth.
I have a foul and
electric
taste in my mouth.
A metallic bitterness.
There’s a febrile and
pale stranger in the
mirror that cowers
back at me.
Tears, like candle wax.

I used to
try and drink the
pain away.
Chase worldly
pursuits, like a
dog at the track
after that mechanical
rabbit.

As I get older,
I try to practice
wisdom.
I got off that
dirt road to
damnation Island.
We are in this
carnival of s**t
together.
I seek a higher love
and try to ease another's
aching,
a pursuit worthwhile.

Author's Note

My book, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is available on Amazon.com
My e book(limited edition) Rise Up Collected Poems and Short Stories is available on Booksie.com

Reviews

[Aarti Sriram]

Very reflective lines dear Thomas . Whenever we sit back and diagnose our past we tend to be harsh or soft on ourselves, rarely do we come our with an honest take of ourselves. Your lines reflect an honest and realistic approach and adds to your wisdom. When we want to we imporve and for the good. Very inspiring poetry and especially loved the last line 'I seek a higher love and try to ease anothers aching ...

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much.

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

The imagery sucked me into a spirally dimension of conflicting emotions.
Then strolls in the resolution to put an end to the bumpy ride.
Awesome poem.
I enjoyed reading it

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

It can feel like the below words Thomas.
"We are in this
carnival of s**t
together."
I believe we must go forward and hope. We can the smell the roses. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the comment.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Thomas.

[Snow_]

This poem is awesome
The tone of the poem is amazing

The pause
I love it

I have so many things to learn
I love your art

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[John the Baptist]

I get the impression here of one who has experienced some hard lessons but learned them well. The problem with trying to drink away pain is the necessary dosage tends to increase with time. Here, the speaker has apparently moved beyond that to higher pursuits. In the end, it doesn't matter how you learn as long as you do learn.

[Thomas W Case]

I agree. Thank you.

[Rosalie-O]

Some excellent metaphors used here, Thomas. You speak openly to your reader without hiding the truth and present life in all its nitty, gritty rawness. Easing the aches of others is certainly a most noble pursuit. It adds to our own happiness and may just brighten up the day of another, too.

A fine poem.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[red93]

This is Great Work Thomas. Yes there is an element of Bukowski in the mix, but you have found yr own voice and yr own ways to articulate yr experiences. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[Neville]

there is an eloquence here so very much admired .. write on brother T .. N

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[Pryde Foltz]

OH nyce ... so much life and wisdom in this piece. I really enjoyed its message and tone. I found my nodding my head in agreement, feeling your dejection, laughing at your wit, and cheering on the message your closed with. Wonderful write.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much, Pryde. I appreciate it.