Always chasing them
On and off the clock
at work
Notebook in my pocket
on the park bench
Or in the kitchen
waiting for water to boil
stirring in the pasta
My daughter says
‘Mom, you’re not listening
You have that faraway look’
They collaborate
behind my eyes
At night whispered
into my husband’s ear
He says
‘I love their sound
Lull me to sleep
Keep talking’
But they ambush me
I’m wide awake
Oh, this is excellent. Words, words, words – how they fill our day, and come unbidden. Our minds seem to have a mysterious propensity to produce an abundance of words, not necessarily at the moment we are searching for them.
Thank you so very much! Most of this poetry was written during a time of intense creativity and catharsis. That creative stint didn’t produce anything as beautiful as my children, but it gave me a deep respect for those aspiring career writers who contend with day jobs and meeting the needs of their loved ones. When in that state of mind we sometimes labor on despite, or alongside, daily practical necessity. The word for creative ‘making’ is derived from the Greek word poiesis. Our English word poem originated in the Greek word for create!
I share your respect for those who balance a demanded career, a busy household and family, and somehow find time to write. I have a feeling that behind every writer there are many who support, encourage and take over daily tasks so that there is time for writing. And yes, children are the most creative story of all. How very well said…
Beautiful words, MJ! Obviously hits home for me.
I knew that it would. I can’t even begin to imagine how much creative time you have to steal in order to write 4 wonderful novels. Hugs!
I love this so much. I’m more like you than I realized, and that makes me very happy. ❤
Music to a mother’s ears 🙂
Mary Jo, how I know that ambushed feeling by words … if an idea grabs me late at night I know I may as well sit up and write! My husband too says the sound of my writing lulls him to sleep … as my mind is feverishly in creation mode!
It really can be a kind of frenzy or obsession, and sometimes, a stealing of hours from other work.
Love that staccato rhythm!
Thank you for noticing and thank you for following. I tried to capture the frenzy and obsession of being on a creative roll. Your blog is a great find!
Thanks. I hope we see each other in the blogosphere in the future! Gary
I know whereof you speak!
I can only imagine what that’s like when writing a novel. Congratulations on your debut!
Thank you, Mary Jo! Writing a novel was certainly an exercise in try, try again.
I do indeed know the feeling of always chasing those words, thus so for longer than I care to account. One might say that the discomfort or the kind of pain, so to speak, that of frustration, it visits upon we scribblers ought have a positive side as to reinforce the will to persevere until we get it right…