Death, Oh Death

The poem celebrates passion and emotion over rationality and structure.

When feeling reigns supreme,

What matter as rules of syntax it would seem?

Those who obsess over structure and form

Will never truly experience passion's storm.

Better to be a fool, wholly consumed,

While spring's vibrant colors are still in bloom.

My blood boils with a fiery passion,

For kisses are the truest expression,

A greater fate than wisdom can provide,

Lady, I swear by all flowers that preside.

Do not shed a tear for what may never be,

For my greatest thoughts pale in comparison to see

Your eyelids flutter, affirming our love's rightful place,

Together we will navigate life's surrealist maze.

So laugh, my love, and recline in my arms,

For life is not a mere paragraph of charm,

And death, oh death, I believe to be no mere punctuation mark.

:: 04.23.2023 ::

Author's Note

I, the poet, suggests that those who are obsessed with structure and syntax will never truly experience the full intensity of emotions. Instead, it is better to be consumed by passion, even if it makes one look foolish. I value physical expressions of love, such as kisses, over intellectual pursuits like wisdom. The poem states that death is not the end, as it is not just a mere "punctuation mark."

Overall, my poem advocates for the importance of living in the moment, experiencing strong emotions, and embracing love, rather than worrying about the rules of language or the uncertainties of life and death.

Reviews

[DIVYA]

As a scribbler, I often find myself stumped while trying to express myself fully in rhyming verses. More often than not, the effort ends up in a waste paper basket for feeling contrived. I love the way the poem gives me a two pronged view of the subject, as in firstly of the sincerity of expression in free, spontaneous verses and secondly connecting it to acts of love rather than words of love. There's nothing more wonderful and speaks louder than a truly meant kiss as opposed to a neatly written and rhymed verse. I also loved the warmth and strength with which you convey your thoughts and feelings on the subject. It's so convincing and also deeply reassuring to all of us who love free-verse expression. Thank you for sharing such thoughtful and moving poetry.

[E.P. Robles]

Hi DIVYA, free verse, born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerged as a response to the rigid constraints imposed by traditional poetic forms like sonnets and rhymed verse. In contrast to these structured styles, free verse grants poets unparalleled liberty and adaptability when it comes to rhythm, line length, and overall composition. Thank you so kindly for your words! :)

[DIVYA]

I loved this poem. Thank you for the additional information on free verse.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've always had a gravitational pull to free verse. It's like coloring outside the lines with the big box of crayons. Why worry about structure or form? Impress yourself!

[Chris Shaw]

I have to say I was a stickler for structure when I first wrote poetry. However I learned to relax. I mainly write free verse now but every now and then the muse reverts to old form. I enjoyed your lines here. Pleased to have stopped by to say hello.

Chris