perfectly okay

artwork by michael créese

words squat on my chest
threatening revolt at the very least
rocks form beneath the landscape of me
dark and doubtful rooms in my psyche fill with ogres
advice from a long ago classroom shouts at me:

keep it pithy
     keep it succinct
          if you wish others to read
               the words you have inked!

alien invasions and conspiracy theories be damned
i have no time for this today don’t you see?
i feel the rain of memories
bullying me into yet another poem
making not one lick of sense to anyone but me
but strangely this time it's perfectly okay

Reviews

[Robert Haigh]

A poet is free to write about any subject, in any style they wish. I write for ME all the time. It is nice to be read, and garner reviews, but in the end, what you think of your own efforts is worth more than outside praise - for me personally, anyway. Popular poetry is not all great, although some of it is, of course. I'm sure you feel free to write any way you choose, Lydia. You have the talent. You don't need the approval of your old teacher now! This poem is MORE than perfectly OK!

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a wonderful review, Robert. Thank you! Yes, we do write for ourselves. Often writing is a catharsis for me. I appreciate the time you took to read and review this one. Lydi**

[Miss Sharon]

(i feel the rain of memories bullying me into yet another poem making not one lick of sense to anyone but me) Strangely enough Lydi, I too have experienced this many times. Your words are filled with the "everydayness" and beauty of life. I love it! (And you.) ~SP

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Sharon. Enjoy your weekend. lydi**

[Shabeeh Haider]

Words have a mind of their own. Sometimes we do not understand how our thoughts form those words. Our pen just seems to be a tool in the hands of our memories and thoughts.
It is indeed perfectly ok. Keep penning those memories.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Shabeeh. Lydi**

[redzone]

oh but Lydi, the need for words to come out, to flee from your chest to the world makes perfect sense... words are very rebellious things and they do not care or listen to anyone, especially to a writer.. they live in their own world and we are often just their pen of expression... besides do you think that classroom would say the same thing to Milton, or Homer and talk about wordy.. even Whitman (who I like very much) wrote a whole book as one poem...

anyway release the ogres, we will figure out their meaning or invent conspiracy theories of we can't... they are after all only aliens!! even in wordy rebellion your poems are understandable, and "nice"..

redzone

[Lydia Shutter]

Those ogres run faster than I do with my arthritic knees, Curt....who will keep them away from me? :) Always enjoy your reviews. Thank you so much for the "nice" review. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

It is perfectly ok to feel the past and
make the memories last...
Sometimes the spirits visit us
as butterflies that are very wise... or
hummingbirds sip nectar that we supply
truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Pat. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Ardra]

Oh it's perfectly ok as long as it makes sense to us as author ;) good one

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Ria. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Is this 'being true unto yourself', i wonder? Not being influenced by other's expectations or dictates. Having the courage to just BE.. you, LYDI.. Words truly are immensely powerful and they can - expertly used, tell a truth with merely a hint... you dear lady, can do just that. Just thought, reading for the third time, that you've peeled self a little, unafraid.. this was, this is, ME.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, what was, was! We have to remember the past, but we are not dictated by it. Thank you so much for the review and for understanding, Emma. Lydi**

[andrew mitchell]

it's marvellous how we have this abundances of thoughts, never stopping all wanting attention, itching to get out whether sublime, ridiculous, playful or rebellious. lol.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Andrew. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

No worries for the rebellion is at hand; of words unspoken, of memories fixing to fade, of criticism never appreciated of us poets. Sometimes we have to write what is on our minds whether others like it or not. Double excellence of poetry and painting. ...:)))

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Sami. Always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

oh to be moved in such away to write ... lots of emotions ..powerfully expressed says i! and that painting simply pierced me to the wall ..something about it ..those eyes and the shadings ..nice choice for your poem .. so the rebellion lives eh!? ;)
it is so perfectly OK says i! :))
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

E, the rebellion is always there...just beneath the surface. I so appreciate your wonderful review. Thank you. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

;) ....... love and hugs my friend!

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, sometimes the words just push their way out of us -- almost without care or consideration for the author, it seems. You have described this phenomena aptly, my friend.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, KL. Lydi**