What Poetry Cannot Do

 

 

Poetry cannot do the laundry.
It cannot make dinner for your children.
It refuses to clean toilets
or windows or vacuum those tight corners
where dust accumulates
faster than a verse.

Poetry cannot wash your dishes.
It cannot telephone
long neglected friends
or make dates for coffee

It refuses to walk your dog.
even on dark and rainy days
when inspiration drips from every cloud.

Poetry wants nothing to do
with writing business plans
or doing taxes or scheduling
dentist appointments.

It certainly is of no use
in getting your children
to school on time.

Poetry yawns in the face of obligation.
That is not to say it has no needs.
It asks for simple things
and things not easily acquired.

solitude.
a fine glass of wine.
a comfortable chair.
an open mind.
someone to love it.

Reviews

[Touché Armada]

Poetry is the quiet moments in the day that collate the confusion and discord.
Fortifies the love in ones heart, and waters the dry springs that withered in hurt.
poetry is a personal affirmation, a strength in weakness and light in darkness as pitch as coal in a dark mine of helplessness, searching for things sometimes we don't even know.

Poetry is a kindness to self when no one else understands a personal moment, we hide you scream at the top of our lungs.
Write/right on =)

[J]

Ha, I found this both entertaining and insightful to read... your last strophe I'm in full accordance with, too.

Poetry is... just is, I guess. Personally, mine's an evil-smelling monkey that won't go away, even if I leave the gate open...

Lovely thoughts here.
J

[Shara Faskowitz]

Raises the mundane to a higher level! I like it. I think it could be more developed at the end, but maybe that's a matter of taste. It's good, economical writing. Thanks for the read.

Peace,
Shara

[J.P.O.et]

Well put,
I love the everydaxy outlook you put forth describing us 'closet poets'
no, poetry cannot do all these things you describe but it does wonders for the
SOUL
Thank you for your writing
J.P.O.et