How To Write A Poem

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How To Write A Poem
by Jay C. Davis

First, forget about the words. They'll come
and take care of themselves. Forget
big subjects because they'll just get in the way.
Let's say you want to write about the biggest
fear you've got... something that makes you
mute on just imagining it. That's your subject.
But don't write about it. Write about a mouse
that eats then scurries across the floor
of the kitchen, knowing anytime it could be killed
by the kitchen's owners, but knowing that hunger
can kill as well. Name the owner of the kitchen Fear.
Name the hunger Desire. Eat. Watch.
Run when necessary. Give the mouse your name.
Pull the paper on which these words are written
off the desk, across the floor, through a tiny hole
near the baseboard. Build a nest that's lined with shreds
of paper. Raise your babies inside this warm place.
Expect the worst. Fear lives just outside.
Desire will always bring you closer to Fear.



from Whispers, Cries, & Tantrums