Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Poets and Writers






What strange bedfellows

This group of poets and writers can be

Tethered as we are by love of words.

We gather, talk, drink coffee, eat snacks

And give up our offering for the night.

Poets and writers find they are all crazy or eccentric or bored, with

Inability to have a conversation unless we are behind the computer keys.

Some are lazy, and all are addicted to the written word, especially our own--

That creative spirit don’t you know.

I heard all other poets are jokes, can’t write, are idiots,

That some are self-absorbed and write like teenagers in love

Instead of the wizened intelligencia that we are.

I know he thinks a masters degree is the only proof that you can write,

That gives you the right to put pen to paper,

While she is sure it’s a god given talent or calling.

We enjoy jealousy, envy, disorganization, all to different degrees

And we decree when it’s us against the pitiful non-writer,

That we have the answer

But unlike the evangelist’s fervor,

We don’t think everyone is privy to it.

But when we gather, oh, when we gather

It’s is the most beautiful thing

To see, talk to, and be with the only other people who know what we are about,

Who can delve into their very souls and tell me about mine and yours. 

They can make us weep with their words and laugh at the same.

They have me in the palm of their hands

And to be near them is to be truly me.

14 comments:

Mary said...

I enjoyed your perceptions, Judy. There is something special about gathering with writers who understand.

Willow said...

I liked being in this room of poets and writers, Judy. Thank you.

Ann said...

Crazy and eccentric and tethered to each other for sure...that's why we're such fun. Thank you for this, Judy.

Unknown said...

really exceptional piece on the writer's mindset. And big-time credit for not simply isolating the piece on the positive aspects, which you easily could have done, but for also taking into account, many of the negative things writers can think. Broad scoped for sure. Great read. Thanks

Other Mary said...

Ah, you have described it so well. And isn't it wonderful to have this fellowship?

Peggy said...

I think you have nailed us Judy. But wouldn't it be very boring if we were all the same?

Judy Roney said...

I am beginning a writer's group in my home. All I think about in my organization is having writers gathering together. That community is unique and vital I think. I'm automatically drawn to other writers, other artists. Wonderful to have that community and feel a part of it.

Fireblossom said...

Ah, that darkest of cabals, the home writer's group! Unhinged people speaking in secret code, obsessed with the same narrow interest, to the exclusion of all else! The only thing more terrifying would be a play date involving a group of new mothers!

Carrie Van Horn said...

An assortment of writers like flowers of candy.....something for everyone....that is what makes life fascinating! :-)

Ella said...

Judy,
This so spoke to the core of our bond with each other! There is a center we all share in the spiral of our love~ Yes, the perception is altered by those who don't write...

Yes, great read wrapped in a wise voice!

Scarlet said...

The fellowship is wonderful ~ Because no one else can understand what a writer goes through than another writer or poet ~

Herotomost said...

Woooohooooo!!!!!!! This capsulizes most of us to a tee.....I smiled all the way through not just at the hell yeah moments but also at the barbs that we all seem to throw out there every once in a while. Great writing....I loved it.

Laurie Kolp said...

Judy- This is so tender and touching, funny and true. I think it should be published! I especially like-

wizened intelligencia

... oh, yes!

Abin Chakraborty said...

well, poets are a crazy, eccentric, weird odd bunch...but thats just because we see feel hear and imagine thinks that others feel but cant put a finger on.let the madness continue!