useless expenditures of breath

It's easy I suppose to
boil anything down
to a quip,
a soundbyte,
a sour note

to wrench a moment
from a conversation
twist it for your purpose,
screw it against a wall
or tack it over your bed

like some god- awful placard
that becomes your mantra

or your cross
complete with palm fronds
and strident voices
screaming loudly
"crucify him".

Reviews

[freelancejouster]

mmm, the way this reads is so powerful and striking. i thoroughly enjoyed this. the way the words and stanzas flow into each other and the metaphors used are just... this is wonderful.

[newyearnorma]

wow what a amazing way with words

[The Winter Grey]

Ever read something that just slams into your chest and leaves you in awe?

You have taken the simple, easily-overlooked power of words and revealed them as they truly are: maleable, life-altering, and potentially soul-crushing. I can't pick out a favorite line or stanza because each is perfectly-crafted, and well-suited to the overall tone of the piece. Terrific, terrific job.

[AJ Kristiansen]

I like this Mary and the underlying meaning of the way we all want to simplify everything and make so much of our lives "in a nutshell" when there is so much more at stake! Interpretation and contextualisation do have a great impact on how we move through this world and relate to others, great write! Very powerful!

[Coyote Poetry]

There is wisdom in the words. Better to look for positive then negative. Easy to see weaknesses. Hard to see the good in another person. I like the strong ending to the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Leon R]

wonderful work. you have amazing style

[paul]

i make this very mistake, much too often.
fantastically written.

[Manpreet]

A witty poem expressing the truth through words

[Me]

Flowing lines, descriptive phrases-Well done!