February Son: Pretending Out Loud (2017)

could we imagine the echoes of light now

are still really stars somehow?

i could really use a friend right now;

another to pretend out loud

that everything'll be all right somehow?

i guess my mom would say, "it all depends, son"

and she's the one who told me, "just pretend, son"

and that's what i did, but so many aren't keeping up

even when it seems like so many are creeping up

on me from behind

just as i can see the finish line,

and i know too well this world doesn't claim me a friend,

and who knows, they may actually hang me in the end,

but for now, ladies and gentlemen,

could we make peace and just pretend?

yes, just pretend

could we imagine the echoes of light now

are still really stars somehow?

i could really use a friend right now;

another to pretend out loud

that everything'll be all right somehow?

because i tried it with a pseudonym;

gave him a name and even put a suit on him;

then someone came and they sewed over him;

now his voice is as mute as an old hymn

so now it's back to just wesler el,

(the word-wrestling heckler from hell)

and it looks like i'm at the top of my game,

but to what success if no one i know feels my pain?

they know as well as i

that if i don't swell or die

or stand to meet the cut

then it's back to slinging dough at Pizza Hut

so for now, ladies and gentlemen,

is anyone up for a game of pretend?

Reviews

[Eilis]

As a mother myself, I enjoyed the voice of the mom and how that was a call to be oneself and just keep moving forward. There is definitely a sense of the importance of moving forward even when it doesn’t seem the easiest or most intuitive response.

I also like the way you call to others. Inclusion. We need ways to speak to one another just now that help us to remember important things.

Nice work with this.

[Wesley Dingler]

Thank you, Ellis. That was a well-rounded review.
Yes, it was intended to call to others, just pretend.
It's pretty simple.

[Coffee Lady]

I enjoy the rhythm of your poetry. You have a unique style.

[Wesley Dingler]

thank you, Lady, and thank you Cherrie.
you've both made my day.
Don't know why it took me so long to see these.

[Coffee Lady]

You are welcome. Thank you for sharing! :)

[Cherrie]

In this world of fast paced thru living it is hard to get folks to slow down and ponder. Turn off the TV set down the phone and dream with a friend.

[barleygirl]

Being a rhyme-aholic myself, I admire how your rhymes are creative & unusual. I'm also envious of how you write a poem with strong rhyme & rhythm, yet it has no sing-song effect, instead deeply serious & thought-provoking with well-placed pauses for emphasis & interesting enjambment. As for the message, it reminds me of the way most people will pretend, in order to keep the peace, which allows for community, which most people crave. I am a loner, so I would rather be alone with the truth than be in a room full of people who are pretending. Powerful food for thought (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Wesley Dingler]

Thank you, Marjie. I always enjoy reading your interpretations. Your reviews are always awesome.

[barleygirl]

Thanks! That means alot to me! *smile*

[Jacob Clifford]

Very poignant musings, stirring up long-buried aches. The themes in this poem are ones many people are familiar with, and they are presented in a very relatable yet powerful way.

[Wesley Dingler]

Thank you very much, Clifford. And let me apologize to you for taking so long to answer back.
I am grateful you enjoyed it.

[Coyote Poetry]

A game of pretend. Always entertaining. I liked the thoughts and the logic of mama. Thank you Wesley for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Wesley Dingler]

I actually wrote several Feburary Son poems, each with its own title. The same as this one is pretending out Loud, there is also one entitled Organica Mechanica, and a couple of others. Hopefully I'll dig them out at some point, too.