Early Writer

How do I select the poems I post on "Chosen Words"?

I suppose the question brings up an image of a blindfold ... a pointer, perhaps ...

Sometimes it is left to chance ... but there are times that a poem is selected with some forethought ... a tiny bit of that, admittedly ... but forethought, nonetheless.

Today, for example, I'm obviously running behind my normal schedule of an early posting. Just disorganized, I think ... a carryover, I suppose, of following my own advice from yesterday.

But here I am ... with a poem selected with real intent ... because of what I perceive as a slight touch of irony in the timing.

Please read on.

I write any time I can, but I've found mornings best, before other details of the day ... yesterday's unfinished chores, today's agenda ... begin pressing in.

Still, I'm not naturally a morning person.

I don't spring out of bed singing and laughing and dancing. I'm not a total grump either. It's just that I'm not fully wound at that time of the day, as evidenced by this little poem ... which is, itself, further evidence of why I don't write much rhyme, and perhaps shouldn't.

But here's the poem:

EARLY WRITER

Up at the crack of dawn

After a restless night,

Sleeves rolled up, thinking cap on.

The time has come to write.

Outline great, title gold,

The rest should be a snap,

But I feel vaguely old,

Like I should take a nap.

Still, I grope for the keys,

Get set to take the leap.

One moment, if you please:

My brain is still asleep.

© 1999

(originally published in PKA's Advocate)

***

Today's word: asleep

Afterthoughts ... in response to your comments:

Morning has never been the best part of the day for me, Helen. Oh, there were a few exceptions ... I have enjoyed some sunrises, here and there along the way. But I just don't get in gear until later in the day. Then I start waking up ... seeing things more clearly ... start actually functioning as a thinking being ... and then I quickly check to see what I wrote ... and posted. And sometimes ... well, sometimes I do a little needed tweaking. Story of my life. But, as I say, "Chosen Words" never closes ... you're welcome to drop by any time ... so please do.

Oh, Hopper, one of my favorite artists, Kelly ... and a favorite painting, too. And you're right about "Chosen Words" being open 24/7. I used to say that "management never sleeps" ... not entirely true. I'm not sure I would be categorized as "management" ... but I do sleep. And Professor Squigglee ... well, I understand that he nods off at times, too. But "Chosen Words"? There's always a light in the window ... and the welcome mat's out.