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Open Poetry #15
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Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554


0 posted 2001-07-12 11:55 PM


Silent Scream

In my head dance endless rhymes
The pain and promise of my heart's crimes
Words and phrases run constant thru my mind
But my pen lies silent, my muse having left me behind

No release, no purge, a poet with no verse
Inspiration becomes an unending curse
Like a butterfly that's lost it wings
A Stradivarius that has no strings

I can write about not being able to write
Why cant I put into words these demons I fight
Gagged and bound in silent screams
Making a nightmare of my rhyme scheme dreams

I cant express the love I feel
My pen and heart chained in quiet conceal
Life's obligations have spoken my choice
The loss of a last chance has taken my voice

A once fluent muse only speaks now and then
Brief relief, still my pen falls solemn again
Oh spirit of the muses, hear my desperate plea
For I fear there is so little poetry left in me


Janet Marie


~~~~~~~~~~~

When your own emptiness is all that's getting through
There comes a point when you're not sure why you're still talking
I passed that point long ago ...

Now I'm sitting here wondering what to say
(That you might recognize)
Afraid that all these words might scare you away
(And break through the disguise)
No one ever talks about their feelings anyway
Without dressing them in dreams and laughter
I guess it's just too painful otherwise

Jackson Browne
excerpt from "The Late Show"
from the CD "Late For The Sky"



© Copyright 2001 Janet Marie - All Rights Reserved
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

1 posted 2001-07-12 11:58 PM


We did it again...posted about the same time I mean...


Silent Scream...that's about what it feels like. I miss my muse too. sigh...sometimes it hurts NOT to write. HUGS m'twin...

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
2 posted 2001-07-13 12:01 PM


There is plenty of poetry left in you, JM, don't doubt it for a minute, your soul is open and generous for your muse to stay away for long.

Cor

Logan
Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641
Arkansas
3 posted 2001-07-13 12:06 PM


The loss of a last chance has taken my voice

Ahhh, gentle soul..there are always other chances and your voice will once again sing with the angels (although you do very well anyway).I love seeing your words flow..very gentle smile

JLR
Senior Member
since 2001-02-04
Posts 1785

4 posted 2001-07-13 12:13 PM


I understood this so completely it was scary.  Not sure which i miss most...the love or it's ability to inspire the word.
mirror man
Senior Member
since 2001-01-08
Posts 814

5 posted 2001-07-13 12:26 PM


You sound serious.  When I can't write, it's usually because something else is wanting to come out.
SmittenKitten
Senior Member
since 2001-06-20
Posts 1131
where the sky and horizon meet
6 posted 2001-07-13 12:35 PM


This poem is evidence enough that you still have poetry left in you.  Don't give up!  Or else how else will I read more from you?    I like what I have already.
Hugs,
~Krista

"Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you.
And all you can do is to go where they can find you."
~Winnie the Pooh

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
7 posted 2001-07-13 12:39 PM


Your muse will never leave you for long......it's just an extension of rest that soothes overworked creative thoughts.  Your muse is you and you are your muse and together you shall travel the road from imagination to reality for the rest of your days here in this consciousness.
You have a talent that can't possibly die.....just a musical note, a whispering breeze, an echo from the past, a favorite smell, yourself in your child's voice, your appreciation for the romance of life, your concern for your friends, the way someone makes you laugh when your day is down, a newborn baby's cry, a mother's love unspared, the sunsets of dreams, the gentle lover's touch, the words of truth spoken at the appropriate time, the morning call of pean larks, being a student of another phase of life, understanding yourself and realizing that you're important to you, the gifts you gave from the heart whatever the price, the whet of your thinking in the moist of the morning, the ray of hope that assures you that you're forever, the expectations that you've already met successfully, the calm that your best penned words bring your heart and soul, your best penned words fulfilling your desire to speak from the fountain of life, a small kindnees shown from an unexpected source, the way the restlessness of the ocean peaks your depth of connection, your stream of consciousness melting into the flow of precious time adding to the building blocks of forever.....and last but not least just always being you when your muse visits....and sharing it with us from the heart........any of those things will spark your muse to portray virtual reality in the most splendid of ways............VANtastic!

                      "Do not go gentle into that good night,
                   Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
                     Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
                 Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
                 Because their words had forked no lightning they
                      Do not go gentle into that good night.
                  Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
                Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
                     Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
                  Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
                   And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
                      Do not go gentle into that good night.
                Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
                  Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
                     Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
                    And you, my father, there on the sad height,
                 Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
                      Do not go gentle into that good night.
                     Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

I don't think I have to tell anyone who wrote that!!
Have a nice day my dear poet pet!

The role of poetry is to utter the un-utterable; to open up
spaces of consciousness and resistance; to language oppressions; to
re-language historie

VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
8 posted 2001-07-13 01:06 AM


maybe free verse will free your muse

or some patterns like cinquains or acrostics till you're sick of writing them  

your verse here doesn't sound like you're without your muse, but I guess you would know better than I

enjoyed the read but the your plight

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
9 posted 2001-07-13 01:23 AM


dear poet, you will never be silient. Thoughts often need a break. Inspiration is a random beast. What inspires you brown eye's? What teases draws the moth to the flame? Maybe a wishful meeting under the lovers arch! Come to the North in the summer and I will show you the Aurora Borealis on a warm star filled night. If you've never seen the Northern Lights, your muse will be energized for months. Come watch a rain storm hover over the great lakes. In the north when our seasons change, they don't make it subtle... they change with the roar of life renewed.
Dear poet your muse is just resting, waiting for the kiss of inspiration.  
The kiss that sneaks up from behind.  
Just let it happen....

Parker

[This message has been edited by Parker (edited 07-13-2001).]

SEA
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Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
10 posted 2001-07-13 01:36 AM


Janet.....you are poetry my sweet butterfly friend   it's in everything you do.....look in the mirror for some inspiration  
Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
11 posted 2001-07-13 01:43 AM


Oh Janet....I know how you feel...but it wont last...you are a true beauty...and that beauty will shine through
5_sweet_kisses
Junior Member
since 2001-04-20
Posts 49

12 posted 2001-07-13 01:44 AM


awesome poem
5_sweet_kisses
Junior Member
since 2001-04-20
Posts 49

13 posted 2001-07-13 01:44 AM


awesome poem
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
14 posted 2001-07-13 02:35 AM


A mutual friend once said, "the poetry writes me!", and this has stuck with me.  Your words always radiate your actual lightness of being Janet Marie, and sometimes even a muse needs a rest,so rest well sweet poet, for a new dawn will come and with it a renewed muse and you!  This was a tender plea which I am sure will be answered, as we all love your work.

If you have a choice to sit down or dance, dance!

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
15 posted 2001-07-13 04:55 AM


I believe there is plenty of poetry left to write...try a little prose til it flows...James
Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
16 posted 2001-07-13 05:01 AM


JanetMarie~JanetMarie~
You tickle me !
Keep on moaning and I'm gonna pack up these muses and send 'em to your house !

You got NO problems, honey child !
This is a good ink !
Love you ~
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
                                 noles1@totcon.com              

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
17 posted 2001-07-13 08:00 AM


"I cant express the love I feel
My pen and heart chained in quiet conceal
Life's obligations have spoken my choice
The loss of a last chance has taken my voice"

Oh JM, I feel like you've written "my" thoughts this last week. I don't know how many times I've picked up a pen and paper, only to walk away with nothing more than a few lines that are not expressing what I want. Do you think our muse's are off frolicking on a vacation again?  I'll keep my eye out for a postcard!    

Best wishes,
/Kit

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
18 posted 2001-07-13 08:08 AM


JM,
Pack a basket lunch Randy will be over to pick you up as soon as he can put the double saddle on. PS bring some raspberry tea.
Love Sy

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
19 posted 2001-07-13 08:12 AM


I absolutely LOVE it when a good poet complains poetically that they can't pen a poem... They usually end up being among their best works...  ... and this is GREAT, JM...
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
20 posted 2001-07-13 08:49 AM



Let's you and me meander over to Poetry Challenge....see what someone left behind for us to pick up on...

your muse and my muse took a hike...they're visiting the Rockies, then on to Alaska to find the bears and whales....

meanwhile, you and I are sitting here, wondering why we can't do anything but pen pieces of longing to have them back and feeling that it's not very appropos to stick a gripe like that, even poetically done, except darn girl, when YOU do it....

you do it very well....

so I won't even try mine....

I'll just read and admire yours!

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
21 posted 2001-07-13 11:25 AM


Janet Marie--I'm late again..and everyone has said what I was going to say...especially Eric..Hugs and love to you!!!  
MARK V SHELDON
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 3015
In a corporeal internship...
22 posted 2001-07-13 12:00 PM


I know with excruciating detail what you describe.  What has worked for me is to work with it...  do "like the Eskimos do":  when you're hungry, you eat;  when you're tired, you sleep...  if you "can't write" for now, don't -- maybe you're simply trying to hard?  Perhaps another medium, for a while, is the key?  When I can't write a song, even though I REALLY want to, I'll focus on another angle, altogether -- read a non-fiction book or research something on the Internet...  something COMPLTETELY different and removed from my first love...  then, almost like magic, I'll find that my Muse misses me and starts to pester me for attention again.  Once I've turned the tables, suddenly, it's flowing all over again.  Maybe it's just the metaphysics and logic of things that when "too much emphasis" is placed on one thing, "other things suffer"...?  As long as you remain open-minded and bend with the temporary change, I've got a feeling that your Muse will happily jump right back into your lap.  I think ethome nailed a lot of valuable points, for there are ALWAYS things to write about, but perhaps it's just the mind and spirit which need a break from your "present pattern of experience"?  Hope this sparks some thought and helps you out a little...  I always look forward to your writings, personally, so know simply that everything happens for a reason.

-MVS

"If you think you know it all, you have a lot to learn."

"Everyone can hear;  few can listen."

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

23 posted 2001-07-13 03:28 PM


Thank you all for these wonderful, caring and kind replies...I truly appreciate the advice and encouragement... and I know you must tire of hearing me whine about my moody muse...
I know writers block is all part of the game and no one is immune to it..(except maybe Marge)(woman of many muses) *wink*
but this is the worst I've had and its so frustrating...the ideas, words and rhymes are there, in my head...but I cant get them to paper the way I both used to and need to...
I used to write 3 a day...now its been 2 poems in almost 3 months *sigh*
anyway...enough of my whining...
THANK YOU ALL...I will take all the advice and encouragement to heart.
peace and poetry
love ya all in poetry land
jm

Feels like Im dancing with truth and wisdom
Precious rhythm you are my guide
These days are sacred, my heart is humble
Oh warrior show me the light

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
24 posted 2001-07-13 03:32 PM



Janet Marie-
   I know from experience that it isn't
   any fun when your muse decides to
   take a vacation without you; but
   don't worry, my friend...I have a
   feeling yours isn't very far away...  
   In the meantime, it looks like Marge
   has got ya covered with her little gals..LOL.
   We both know how much fun they can be...

   This is a great write, my friend..

   big hugs,
   ~vicky



"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes




[This message has been edited by vlraynes (edited 07-13-2001).]

SpitFire
Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396

25 posted 2001-07-14 05:29 PM


~Well hello there beautiful! I've missed you too. (I got my lovely card, and what smiles you bring J, what smiles). - For screaming out loud, you ARE poetry, your plea, your every word a bit of it all, yeah lady, I for one appreciate every sliver of thought you care to share. Please be well. *Peace sweet one.
Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

26 posted 2001-07-14 06:02 PM


Yes, I've been through this, know exactly what you mean, Janet Marie and I can tell you that the words will always come no matter what because we are poets, writers and it's in our blood.  Sometimes they will move in another direction and we move in other directions and we search for them, feeling lost but oh, when they return we are so blessed. Good poetry takes work, sometimes they can't just be churned out everyday, day after day you know?  Your words are original, your own, no one else's, it will never leave you, remember that, never. You'll always have the muse, it's just sleeping.  Thank you for sharing these very special thoughts with us.

[This message has been edited by Irish Rose (edited 07-14-2001).]

brian madden
Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374
ireland
27 posted 2001-07-14 07:44 PM


It seems to be like that Holly wood writers strike around here, everyone's muses have got up and left. I can well relate to this,
but they say that writing with some one can help bring that inspiration back. I am up to try a duet if you want. We don't have to post it, we could just do a few experiments. Might help both of us out of a rut.

"Here I am in prison,here I am with a ball and chain There is whiskey in the jar-o" Traditional irish song.

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind
28 posted 2001-07-15 12:03 PM


Janet Marie,

When you can no longer feel...then and only then will it be time to give up....you bleed your words across the page for all to read and enjoy, or cry or laugh...what ever the setting, you do it well with a mighty pen but  a soft heart.....a heart that writes what it feels.... dear poet....you have a beautiful talent...never doubt that...

be well....


Lauren


******

Nothing Beautiful In This World
Is Ever Really Lost
All Things Beloved
Live on In Our Hearts...Forever."


EagleOne
Member Elite
since 2000-03-07
Posts 2829
Between a laugh and a tear...
29 posted 2001-07-15 12:52 PM


"For I fear there is so little poetry left in me"

You are a poet extraordinaire, with much left to give. Now me on the other hand... You take care my friend!

"Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our
feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." ~unknown


Flutterwings
Member
since 2001-07-10
Posts 288
Maine
30 posted 2001-07-15 09:43 PM


Janet I know this feeling well... but, my dear friend if you've lost your muse... if she has gone on a leave of absence, then who wrote this marvelous write? Whenever anyone writes with such passion as you just did... that IMHO is good poetry. The voice in this read was a bit sad and forlorned but, a voice it was non-the-less...I stand and applaud   with much admiration! I don't know you too well....but, if this is not your best, WoW!   I'm looking forward to reading more.... more... more.... Love and peace ((~.~))
Flutterwings
Member
since 2001-07-10
Posts 288
Maine
31 posted 2001-07-15 09:57 PM


Hi! Janet, I don't know you very well... but, for a person who's muse has gone on a leave of abscence.... you've painted a mighty great portrait.
The voice sounds sad and forlorn but it made for a great write.
If this was not written by your muse... then whoever wrote it knew what she was doing to touch me deeply. I've been there and this piece is lyrical and quite well done.  
I applaud   an exquisite write! Love and peace ((~.~))


BloomingRose
Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092
Florida
32 posted 2001-07-15 09:59 PM


JM,
Many of us seem to have a case of the summer time muse blues.
I can relate to the feeling of a loss for words.
Your poetry is too good to stay on hold for long. Don't worry it's still there, just taking a break refueling for more.

Hugs,
Deb

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

33 posted 2001-07-17 08:08 PM


Thank you all SO VERY MUCH....for these sweet and generous replies and encouragement of my moody muse.
Forgive me for taking so long to get back to this...
my sister had surgery and I am running back and forth helping her out for a while.
Forgive me missing so many of the poems in here as well. I will try and get caught up soon.
Love to Poetry Land
jm

When your own emptiness is all thats getting through
There comes a point when youre not sure why youre still talking
I passed that point long ago

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
34 posted 2001-07-23 06:56 PM


Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Where in the tarnation are the (...'s )???????  I do believe I have heard this silent scream of yours and heck, I have even heard the not so silent ones as well!!!!    I won't tell if you don't though. LOL  ALTHOUGH ........... !!!!

Hey puff, this was a wonderful write and I told you that when you read it to me.  I even had a certain little "Powder Queen" read it to me as well.  I do so love the rhyme and the cadence in this one and of course when you mix it with that "MOTH" emotion base of yours it reads like a silent beacon of absolute enlightment.  But of course you knew that.  Now dust of that ol' muse of yours and treat us another one.  2 every 3 months is NOT enough.  Love ya kiddo

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

35 posted 2001-07-23 07:24 PM


JM~  I think my muse and yours both went on vacation at the same time!!!  I hope they come back to us both very soon, Lord how I know this feeling now Janet.  Hugs to you dear poetess, and know that I am in the backround reading.....and learning from everyone else's wisdom.  HUGS!!!

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

snowpants
Member Elite
since 2000-09-16
Posts 2061
KS
36 posted 2001-07-24 01:46 AM


'I can write about not being able to write
Why cant I put into words these demons I fight
Gagged and bound in silent screams
Making a nightmare of my rhyme scheme dreams'

First of all, J...I want to apologize because I could have SWORN that I replied to this...and, I will say that you have penned some rather accurate lines about this subject...funny how we can write about not being able to write, but that's about it sometimes...but, you've done an excellent job here, J...as always...a perfect illustration of the absent muse...great rhyme and cadence in the famous JM style...without the (...), of course...

k  

it was love that first drew me,
it is love that will keep me here...
now I see love burning brightly
when everything else is unclear...

Rick
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia
37 posted 2001-07-24 10:00 AM


Close your eyes unto the night
There dreams the dreams of sight to write
Be at one with self and all
Then words upon your page will fall

Though empty life may sometimes feel and loneliness the master
Let moments happiness we steal and veer far from disaster.

Remember, we can always give a topic to write on and help you if need be, never feel alone while we are all here to read, feel and live.

Nice write, great work and don't stop.

Rick

RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

38 posted 2001-07-24 10:43 AM


Music soothes the savage breast perhaps nature will do the rest.
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