. . .

"Writing is easy. All one must do is sit at a typewriter and bleed." - Ernest Hemingway

We spend all too much time afraid.

Afraid of death?

Or simply afraid.

 

What she read said

"One cannot live with one's finger

Everlastingly on one's pulse,"

She wanted it inscribed into her skin

just above the veins.

 

To write with fear in your heart

Is to scribble nonsense

On a page.

All the while you fear death,

You can never truly live.

 

For a writer lives a thousand lives,

And subsequently,

Dies a thousand deaths.

Each period is an ending.

A single drop of blood.

As we drip our veins dry.

Onto the page.

 

Death comes to us all.

When it comes for me,

I intend to look it in the eye.

And leave behind,

A thousand lives.

 

Filled with my blood.

For them to remember me by...

Reviews

[Bowers]

this is absolutely my favorite poem on here, great job. I've never read a poem so emotional, so true, that I've felt so ...... drawn to, with it so close and true to what I am, to who I am... how I feel... I loved it!

[Firefly]

This was absolutely beautiful. I loved it, congratulations.

[lyss]

I love the last little bit where you say, "I intend to look it in the eye./And leave behind,/A thousand lives./Filled with my blood./For them to remember me by". It shows the true dedication of a writer and what we all as writers hope to obtain--lasting words. I love the dedication with the drops of blood truly connecting us with our work and showing the true relationship that a writer has with his or her piece. Because the9y are not merely words scribbled on a piece of paper it's our soul and I think you captured that concept beautifully. I love your writing keep it up.

[TLK]

I really like how the second and third lines end so boldly. I think the first line would sit better if it had a full stop too. This would make it 1) statement, 2) question to modify statement, 3) blank-point restatement. Like an accusing finger jabbing at your chest, but without the anger.

The use of the quote is exquisite. It links the 'her' with a deeper idea that takes her beyond complacency into something measured and absolute. In fact, I think her link with this concept is so important that the section starting "to write with fear..." might be improved if placed as thoughts inside her head, e.g. "this would remind her" helping to modify the inscription/tattoo with this conviction.

If it was clearer that we had moved from the narrator's voice to the 'she', I wouldn't have a nagging worry that the "I intend to look it in the eye" is not about the 'she' at all.

There is a tired, stoical fearlessness to this poem. What is left behind seems as dry as paper, but why be afraid of death? We can be remembered in some form, and that is life enough.

[Saint No-One]

I agree with the criticism of the first line. Thank you. However, the thoughts aren't intended to be placed in "her" head, as they are the product of my own. The reference to "her" is what leads, for me, logically into my following thoughts. Because to accept pain is in a way to begin accepting death, and for her to dedicate the writing into her skin, through the painful process of tattooing, is to accept death and truly have accepted what it means to be a writer. The "I" is very much intended to be me looking into the "eyes" of death, rather than "her." For my life is my struggle, and it is not within my right to judge the struggle or others. I am simply inspired by her resolve. Thank you for your review, it is much appreciated. I look forward to reading more of your material, and having you read more of my own.

[TLK]

I'mma subscribed, you're not getting rid of me easily.

[Saint No-One]

Oh sir, you mistake me. The last thing I would want to do is dispose of a true critic. Especially one who produces such palpable work. Because as you said, "Those who review well, are likely to write well."

[TLK]

I didn't think you wanted to get rid of me. I was just being creepy ;)

[Saint No-One]

Hahahaha. I think this could be the beginning of a fantastic friendship :)

[TLK]

NOT IF I KILL YOU FIRST.

/daggers