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Photo © 2017 Ian Wagner
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Poems
are
not safe.
They’re
risky.
If
you take one for a walk
you
might start to think differently
about life, or death, or something,
and
you might not like thinking
differently.
What does this mean, you
say,
as if I need
another question
I can’t answer . . .
and
so avoid the poem
and
the heart of it.
True
poems
have
one
no
matter what they tell you—
a
poem is a creature
ready
to pounce
or
lay at your feet
licking
your toes—like life
—hungry,
waiting,
and
not so bad after all.
© 2017 Jennifer Wagner
For dVerse OpenLinkNight…and an invitation to check
out the new dVerse Anthology, Chiaroscuro, available on Amazon (I have a poem
in there, too).
Very nice -- a mischievous poem, not as tame as a lab, of course. Superbly done!
ReplyDeletePoems can certainly be dangerous. If we really open our heart to them. They are just like people --- we run the risk of feeling something (for good or otherwise)...but it is a risk we must choose to take, if we are going to really live life.
ReplyDeleteNow, please ask your poem to stop licking my face. Ha.
They are risky for both the poet and reader ~ They can be mysterious or inviting like your sweet dog in the photo ~
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of our dVerse journey. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays ~
Yes, Jennifer - a poem can be anything... For the last line, I might have been tempted to finish with: "and not usually so bad after all" But terrific anyway as ever...
ReplyDeleteSmiles - you bring to life poetry and once again teach me to appreciate writing and you all the more...
ReplyDeleteThey are dangerous thought the beauty of their language can be seductive--loved this Jennifer! Happy holidays to you and to your family!
ReplyDeleteThe lab made me smile! Poems can get away from you as well and live their own lives. Very true on all points in your poem!
ReplyDeleteI've had a poem change my life and been inspired by a few!
ReplyDeleteSo profound!❤️ Yes, poems do tend to change our perspective about many things :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a good question: "What does this mean, you say,
ReplyDeleteas if I need
another question
I can’t answer"
Poems are rascals, to be sure. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis walk did take a rather long time to come! We were missing your posts. This is a beautiful poem. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas in advance.
A poem inside a poem. And a sly definition. Well done, Jennifer. I’ve known many poems like yours.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Who wants to read a safe poem? "A poem is a creature ready to pounce." Love it.
ReplyDeleteWow. Never thought of poetry in this manner but there is a lot of truth about poems in this piece.
ReplyDeleteYes poems are risky ... I really get that. They can stir the blood. Then again, they can soothe the soul. Loved the personification in this wise and humorous piece. Wonderful words ... that true poems have a heart is intriguing, to say nothing of a brilliant image ... it gives me pause (which I think a good poem should do) as I've never thought of it quite that way before. An awesome write!
ReplyDeleteAND it's great to see you back, Jennifer! Happy Holidays!
poetry forces thinking whether you like it or not! Love it ;-)
ReplyDelete__ Jenn, I wish you and your family a fine holiday season_! (beech tree bark)
ReplyDeleteat sea's edge
waves linger in his coat
beach bark
_m
Magyar, what a splendid beach haiku!
DeleteGreat reflection on poetry... Ifyou take one for a walk you might start to think differently...
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth! I love it!
Poems can make us reflect about the good and not so good but what a gift they can be too.
ReplyDeleteYour dog is adorable!😊
Happy Holidays!😂💟🎀
How I LOVE this poem! Poems often let me know what I am thinking - often things I didnt even know I knew.........I love the photo of your dog too. It popped out at me on the blogroll and I had to come see. I am so glad I did. I would have hated to miss this poem.
ReplyDeleteSuperb! I love this poem. I agree
ReplyDelete"a poem is a creature
ready to pounce
or lay at your feet
licking your toes"
I got my copy of the book too, but am too scared to read it. I'll look for your poem. Love, Mosk
true, true. nip at our toes, they do ~
ReplyDeleteSometimes there is magic in taking a risk...
ReplyDeleteI love this poem! And the photo of your beautiful dog. I hope you are well, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen. I hope you are well. I miss reading your words. Xo
ReplyDeleteI love this poem, Jennifer. You are right. Putting a poem out there can be risky. Yet we must, or they would never be read. I love the photo, needless to say. Your beautiful golden boy. It's lovely to read you. Hope you are well.
ReplyDelete