Thursday, December 14, 2017

An Invitation


Photo © 2017 Ian Wagner


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).

28 comments:

Sabio Lantz said...

Very nice -- a mischievous poem, not as tame as a lab, of course. Superbly done!

X said...

Poems 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.

Now, please ask your poem to stop licking my face. Ha.

Grace said...

They are risky for both the poet and reader ~ They can be mysterious or inviting like your sweet dog in the photo ~

Thank you for being a part of our dVerse journey. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays ~

scotthastiepoet said...

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...

Tank said...

Smiles - you bring to life poetry and once again teach me to appreciate writing and you all the more...

Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger said...

They are dangerous thought the beauty of their language can be seductive--loved this Jennifer! Happy holidays to you and to your family!

tonispencer said...

The 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!

Petru J Viljoen said...

I've had a poem change my life and been inspired by a few!

Sanaa Rizvi said...

So profound!❤️ Yes, poems do tend to change our perspective about many things :)

Frank Hubeny said...

This is a good question: "What does this mean, you say,
as if I need
another question
I can’t answer"

Fireblossom said...

Poems are rascals, to be sure. ;-)

Rajesh said...

This walk did take a rather long time to come! We were missing your posts. This is a beautiful poem. Thank you.

Merry Christmas in advance.

Sarah Russell said...

A poem inside a poem. And a sly definition. Well done, Jennifer. I’ve known many poems like yours.

Anonymous said...

I agree. Who wants to read a safe poem? "A poem is a creature ready to pounce." Love it.

Arcadia Maria said...

Wow. Never thought of poetry in this manner but there is a lot of truth about poems in this piece.

Wendy Bourke said...

Yes 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!

AND it's great to see you back, Jennifer! Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

poetry forces thinking whether you like it or not! Love it ;-)

Magyar said...

__ Jenn, I wish you and your family a fine holiday season_! (beech tree bark)

at sea's edge
waves linger in his coat
beach bark

_m

Mary Hood said...

Great reflection on poetry... Ifyou take one for a walk you might start to think differently...
Isn't that the truth! I love it!

Geraldine said...

Poems can make us reflect about the good and not so good but what a gift they can be too.

Your dog is adorable!😊

Happy Holidays!😂💟🎀

Geraldine said...

Magyar, what a splendid beach haiku!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

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.

Buddah Moskowitz said...

Superb! I love this poem. I agree
"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

grapeling said...

true, true. nip at our toes, they do ~

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Sometimes there is magic in taking a risk...

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love this poem! And the photo of your beautiful dog. I hope you are well, Jennifer.

ayala said...

Hi Jen. I hope you are well. I miss reading your words. Xo

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I 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.