The mind can invent a morning before the morning comes, using its pale geometry of thought to arrange itself into light. In that half-made hour a man may lift his pen as though saluting an unnamed god. A single stroke of ink dissolves into words that follow, each escaping the moment of its making. The page becomes a landscape in which the idea of a step outpaces the step itself. And the first word, bright, astonished, stands like a traveler who has discovered his own footprints.
This poem, Paul, has captured something of the magic of the act of creation. First, the thought, then the word, and finally the manifestation of something that seems to have already existed. Love this.
Bright is the light on my cellphone in 3am morning darkness. No pen nor ink. Fingers tap keys, display the words of the day—power play as long as as battery is charged I have pages to write and words stored or sent to to be read in black and white. Power from the mind’s technological synapse.
I’m dead to the world at 3am, blinds closed, curtains drawn shut, darkness reigns. Even the cat is lost in feline dreams. I often schedule posts for 4am to greet early risers on the East Coast and across the Atlantic.
Good Wednesday, Dominique, and thank you for reading and for your comment. I’ve said elsewhere that I’d rather write poetry than write about the process of writing poetry. That said, I have written several poems that express ideas about writing, how difficult it is to find a beginning that leads to a middle and an end, how some lines give birth to others and some end as orphans.
It was not the method, technique or approach to writing poetry that I had in mind in my comment. Rather what interests me is the state of mind you are in when you write. Your insight is special, it can only come in a very open and sensitive state of mind.
Thank you, Dominique. I would find it even harder to explain the state of mind except to say that it seems to know where it wants to go, especially when it seems to be caught up in language and meaning. I've often said there are two worlds when it comes to language—one world is what we can say and the other is what we mean.
Paul, your adherence to this near daily practice sets a fine example of keeping the quill in the ink. This lets this reader see that your writing isn’t a Devil may care effort!
Thank you, Kimberly. I like that word “evoke,” especially in the sense of being able to use language in a way that allows readers to see or feel or recall the meaning of something that is quite specific to themselves, not necessarily to me.
Thanks to Diane and @Blue Citizen 77 for sharing this poem.
My thanks to @Kathleen Hobbs for this restack
You’re welcome, Paul
Thanks to @Lique for this restack, and thank you for your continued support!
Thanks to Creative Seeds of Hope and @Harley King for restacking this poem.
Thanks for restacking this poem, @Rea de Miranda
Thank you, @Portia for restacking this poem.
This poem, Paul, has captured something of the magic of the act of creation. First, the thought, then the word, and finally the manifestation of something that seems to have already existed. Love this.
Thank you four thoughtful comment and for restacking this poem, Martin.
You are most welcome. This is another
fine poem, Paul. You're on a really good run.
Bright is the light on my cellphone in 3am morning darkness. No pen nor ink. Fingers tap keys, display the words of the day—power play as long as as battery is charged I have pages to write and words stored or sent to to be read in black and white. Power from the mind’s technological synapse.
I’m dead to the world at 3am, blinds closed, curtains drawn shut, darkness reigns. Even the cat is lost in feline dreams. I often schedule posts for 4am to greet early risers on the East Coast and across the Atlantic.
I wake up justice. To read your poems. Write a moment what was given me remembered. We are on the same wavelength; time is like an alley cat. 🐈⬛.
You just happen to be ahead of me. Glad you left a scent note to be found.
Happy to be found no matter the time of day, Richbee. Thank you!
Magical!
Thank you, Rea
How do you do it, Paul? Your words are sublime.
Good Wednesday, Dominique, and thank you for reading and for your comment. I’ve said elsewhere that I’d rather write poetry than write about the process of writing poetry. That said, I have written several poems that express ideas about writing, how difficult it is to find a beginning that leads to a middle and an end, how some lines give birth to others and some end as orphans.
It was not the method, technique or approach to writing poetry that I had in mind in my comment. Rather what interests me is the state of mind you are in when you write. Your insight is special, it can only come in a very open and sensitive state of mind.
Thank you, Dominique. I would find it even harder to explain the state of mind except to say that it seems to know where it wants to go, especially when it seems to be caught up in language and meaning. I've often said there are two worlds when it comes to language—one world is what we can say and the other is what we mean.
I was mining a similar vein this morning
I believe I read the results of your mining effort!
It was a motherlode
Paul, a job well done. Grateful for your patience and deliberation!
Once again, Gary, thank you, both for your comments and for your support. I am grateful.
Paul, your adherence to this near daily practice sets a fine example of keeping the quill in the ink. This lets this reader see that your writing isn’t a Devil may care effort!
I do write every day but I also keep several pieces ready in draft form. The latest piece I posted might have been written in January or February.
Paul, another example of your planfulness and due diligence.
👍🏼
🔥
🙏😊
I look forward to the mind’s eye images you evoke
Have to ever read John Koenig’s “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows?”
I will go looking for a copy, thanks for the suggestion.
It is a really interesting book, Lady G. I think you’d like it.
No, I will find it, hoping I can through library. Thank you for the suggestion.
It is a fascinating book about words, words made up to express feelings many have but cannot find a word for.
Thank you, Kimberly. I like that word “evoke,” especially in the sense of being able to use language in a way that allows readers to see or feel or recall the meaning of something that is quite specific to themselves, not necessarily to me.
I absolutely love this!
Thanks to @Geraldine A. V. Hughes for sharing this poem, much appreciated, Lady G!