(the title is stolen from Phil Ochs.)
it's time
for change
time to find
the way
time to let go
of the ten thousand things
that i
cling to
how will i
know the world
if i am
not in it
i am
an empty vessel
every day
filled to the brim
until i
spill over
and start
again
until
the cracks appear
what is there
that we cannot break
physically
metaphorically
hearts
tissue and bone
everything
breaks eventually
even you
and me
and you
know me better
than I know
myself
none of this
is new
i'm just
reprising
every day
writing
a rehearsal
for retirement
and every time
wanting it
to be perfect
it could be the last one
that's the thing
who knows
but this
you should know
if i never
say goodbye
i've left so much
behind for you
there's evidence
everywhere
to discover me
anew
and if
by chance
we do not
have occasion
to say
goodbye
i'm glad i met you
on the way.
I had to read this aloud to try and find the rhythm. The enjambment feels like a wave that never hits the peak fully, so just when you're expecting the top, you're plunged straight down, early, into the coldest of waters.
ReplyDeleteThe last few stanzas seem to lack something and made me frustrated - I found myself wanting either a more constructive/positive or destructive conclusion.
A very interesting and accomplished poem, and I agree dark, but the optimistic typewriter in me is nonetheless looking for golden threads to tie together. Fool's errand, perhaps??
Thanks,
RTypewriter
This may not sound like the highest compliment, but I mean it sincerely.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to set this verse to music, something sexy but in minor key to give it a kinda spooky feel.
Again, I'm neither a poet nor a poetry critic. I just know what I like...and I like this piece.