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Open Poetry #42
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gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA

0 posted 2008-04-29 11:39 AM



He is anxious (restless?).
There’s a stirring
in other than this cup
of coffee that will soon
go cold . . .

He thinks he wants to move,
to go somewhere, but that is
what he felt before he came
here in the afterglow of sundown.

If he should get up and turn
about the full compass, and move a step
this way or that, he’d be somewhere else.
Maybe somewhere else
isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

He’s at the bookstore.
One can only escape for so long
by opening the door
to the stars through a book,
before he begins to think
he’d fare better at the local pub.

But, then, he’s learned that the stars
may come out in the height of noon but, alas,
They’re never real.

He says a sober, melancholy, hello,
and meets himself, again.



© Copyright 2008 arthur chapman, jr - All Rights Reserved
gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
1 posted 2008-04-29 11:41 AM


I know it goes against the grain of expert, professional opinion, but I can, and do drink wine and beer in moderation, but if I take up the hard stuff, I’ll inevitably descend into the darkness of abuse. I learned this over the past forty odd years. In that, I'm an expert in my own right.

Art

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
2 posted 2008-04-29 12:18 PM


A man who meets himself ~ and knows himself. (I also read your own explanatory reply. winky wink)

"He’s at the bookstore.
One can only escape for so long
by opening the door
to the stars through a book,
before he begins to think
he’d fare better at the local pub.

But, then, he’s learned that the stars
may come out in the height of noon but, alas,
They’re never real."

~ I found myself quoting line after line until I darn near quoted the entire poem! ~ Which, now that I think about it, I should have! lol

May it be books that continue to put the stars in your eyes!

Loving hug and a big smile of appreciation,
EA

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
3 posted 2008-04-29 12:40 PM


Very, very well presented and thought out my friend. Much enjoyed both the read and the contemplation!

jimmy

r v wooo
Senior Member
since 2007-08-07
Posts 656

4 posted 2008-04-29 12:55 PM


interesting poem gilead...whenever i read one, such as this, i actually am able to smell certain esters in the air and experience a warm glow in parts of my body...mainly in the tips of my fingers and the skin on my face.
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
5 posted 2008-04-29 01:38 PM


No one is more of an expert on you than you.
Perhaps a little beer and wine now and then keeps you from "the hard stuff" The reading and poetry probably helps too. One must be coherent to pursue those things.
                                     Ida

[This message has been edited by Marchmadness (04-29-2008 06:35 PM).]

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
6 posted 2008-04-29 02:35 PM


Thanks, Earth Angel! Or, rather, let me say Heavenly! Your comments and the prescious time taken is greatly appreciated!

Art

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
7 posted 2008-04-29 02:37 PM


Thank you, Jimmy. I am pleased that you recognized an element of contemplation in the poem; it is central to its meaning.

Art

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
8 posted 2008-04-29 02:39 PM


rv wooo

I always enjoy your insights. You and I share interests on many levels, and I've had the privilege of learning from you.

Art

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
9 posted 2008-04-29 02:43 PM


As always, Ida, you have a knack for getting to the heart of the matter! I'd like to think I'm an expert on myself, but I don't want to go 'round in a cloud of self delusion! As Johnny Cash sings, "I keep a close watch on this heart of mine"!

Oxygon, the humble.

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
10 posted 2008-05-10 12:29 PM


Yep, I love this.  So well said - and I really liked these words

---

If he should get up and turn
about the full compass, and move a step
this way or that, he’d be somewhere else.
Maybe somewhere else
isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

---

I think so many of us can identify.

Good writing!

Alison

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11 posted 2008-05-10 01:02 AM


Yo Art,

The stars are always real, and there.  I'm sure you know that.  

It's just that during the day, your very own personal star shines too bright for you to see the other ones.  

It's only when the world turns you around, and you face away from your own star, that you can see the other stars that are close enough for you to see.

The whole thing is very big, and quite complex.  

The nice thing about it is that it can't be figured out by anything, or anyone.  It always was there from way beyond way back when.  So I don't worry about it.

I don't do the hard stuff either, because it always makes me sick, and leaves me with a tremendous hangover.

I do remember crawling up Locust Street on my hands and knees, and menacing a subway train (unsuccessfully).  But that was in my younger days, when I could handle subway trains.

BTW, I’ve started to write Sally’s story.  Good old Sally.

Bobby

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
12 posted 2008-05-11 11:24 AM


quote:
He says a sober, melancholy, hello,
and meets himself, again.



Very insightful poetic deed, dear Art. Your inner voice battle is fascinating, because in the end it's always the consciousness that brings enlightening.

Love,
Margherita

shyvl
Senior Member
since 2008-04-11
Posts 531
texas, usa
13 posted 2008-05-11 11:56 PM


We all have to meet ourselves and face ourselves eventually.  You have just done it time to save yourself. Thanks for the read and explanation.
sharyn

inkedgoddess
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392
Ohio
14 posted 2008-05-12 08:12 AM


a bold look in the mirror
and well written
thanks for sharing

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
15 posted 2008-05-12 02:24 PM


I had to read this twice because I got distracted by the thought of coffee in the first stanza...it's my "shiny"

so I read again and found that I enjoy this self-reflection...

now off to make some coffee....

"too bad ignorance isn't painful"
~Unknown~

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
16 posted 2008-05-12 03:38 PM


Thanks, Alison, for taking time to read and comment. It means a lot to connect with other poets!

Art

Thank you, Bobby for your extended comment. It is always good to see your work, and to receive your thoughtful and wise comments.

Art

Thanks Susan! Your keen observations and sense of humor is a flourish of relief!

Art

Thanks so much, Margherita. When you speak, your words are worthy of hearing. I always
enjoy your comments, but especially your poetry!

Best wishes,

Art

Your thoughts are always on key, sharyn, and I appreciate them very much.

Art

It was a pleasure to share my inner thoughts inkedgoddess, and I appreciate your kind reply.

Art

Robert Frazier
Senior Member
since 2003-02-06
Posts 1014

17 posted 2008-05-12 03:46 PM


i always enjoy the self introspective poetry..true, and honest - thanks!

R

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
18 posted 2008-05-12 05:28 PM


Thank you, Robert, for your kind and encouraging remarks.

Art

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
19 posted 2008-05-12 07:22 PM


Enjoyed...James
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