Thursday, January 8, 2009

Once, Perhaps


I've found it true that writing involves a lot of "stone gathering," a lot of writing that is ... well, just writing.

While that can be satisfying ... and I find that it's good activity ... it keeps my mind occupied ... keeps me from dwelling on things I needn't ... or shouldn't ... what is really rewarding is that piece of writing that has a certain quality about it ... has a gemlike quality.


Finding one of those ... or maybe two, if I'm really lucky ... is what keeps me going.



And just keeping on keeping on can be important, too.

I keep looking for that subject ... that turn of phrase ... that word which will send images dancing across the ballroom of my mind.


I hope that your quest will bring a large share of those "gems" to you.


Meanwhile, the poem:



ONCE, PERHAPS


Of all the stones
we gather,
all the poems
we write,
once in a lifetime
there is one, perhaps,
that gathers light
as no other, juggles
it back aloft,
sends bright beams
dancing into the dark
that stretches
across the ballroom
of the mind.
© 1996
(originally published in ByLine Magazine)

Today's word: dancing
Afterthoughts ... in response to your comments:
Thank you, Helen, for that kind remark ... and your patience during my recent absence, and now as I try to catch up.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Bob, I love this poem and the build up to it in your Chosen Words. It is very expressive and is delightful.