These random pictures...blocks

The word "blocks," when used in a poem, conveys many different images imparted to the reader. I've used the word blocks as a recurring theme in my writes. The image each reader derives is correct.

I’ve arrived at pictures in these books

That made me look behind

At all of the snapshots glowing

In the passing of such cluttered times.

The rhymes?...Ha! Shattered images

Of all of the words it takes to twist

The mental marbles into

Squared-off pictures,

Framed and labeled,

Costly replicas of ones I’d always

Held before, the ones I used to keep.

 

If asked, I’ll tell the quizzical

What is possible or not

When the nascent questions hibernate and

Never wake.

The past is fake…approach the lake

And toss a million pebbles to make

Amends for all the dreams that perished in

Scant showers of the edgy gravel…

 Now just bitter, barren rocks.

Toys of imagination…shaping sketches,

Schematics illustrate city hopes,

Replete with visions

Of sharpened blocks.

 

dan © 2015

Music: "Reflektor" by Arcade Fire

Author's Note

Reviews

[Amber Lily]

You have fantastic creativity when it comes to writing and word play. From start to finish you words had me glued to the screen, only to start and read it again. I wasn't aware that you like to use the word blocks, I will be looking for it more closely in your other pieces. A very interesting way to keep your poems unique. Great work :)

[dan]

Yeah, I've actually had a lot of reviews that said they didn't understand what the hell I was trying to say, because most of the things I write with blocks as the catalyst are done in the abstract; I mostly write that kind for myself, then I post them just to hope someone gets them and sees what I'm doing. Thanks so much for your read/review and kind words, I appreciate it! take care...dan

[Amber Lily]

I think some people look too hard sometimes to find a solid true meaning in a poem. Sometimes you need to look at it like a piece of art and form your own opinion. I'd never complain about something being too abstract.

[dan]

I've always thought that if 10 people read one of my pieces and they interpret it 10 different ways, then I've done my job. I agree that a poem is like a painting in drawing out differing opinions. Thanks again for you always sharp feedback. take care...dan

[Crystal Overmeyer-Birmi..]

Good Lord Dan you did it again. The way you play with word is so seamless and make the reader hold their breath til the very last. Your work really steal the show and the pairing with this song is just too perfect. GREAT JOB

[dan]

I use 'blocks' as a recurring element in this type of abstraction; blocks represent things in our lives that act as barriers to solutions we seek, walls erected between us and our unknown futures. In one love poem I wrote for my wife that topic is introduced in this verse: "The faceless man arrives and starts arranging all the blocks, voicing wry opinions that the kid so cruelly mocks. Kicking all the toys toward the box...he gives a wave toward the grave that holds his heart and all its locks." I've done 4 or 5 others involving blocks in some permutation...it may be confusing to some readers but it works for me. Thanks so much for your read review. take care...dan

[-Scribe in Style-]

Wow! Now there you have written out a picture story! Skillfully done!
I love the imagery you have used - Particularly because of the connotations they bring..
Thank you for sharing!

[dan]

SiS, this may have been terribly disjointed for the reader but I tried to simplify it and just couldn't come up with any alternative that conveyed the same meaning that I intended. I very much appreciate your kind words! take care...dan

[Lily]

Great poem, I especially like the phrase 'mental marbles' in relation to your memories and how each picture represents one... awesome :)

[dan]

Lily, thank you for taking the time for the read/review. It prompted me to review one of yours, a fun proposition always. This poem was kind of abstract (intentional), with blocks representing real or imagined obstacles in our lives, dealt with by giving up or persevering. It's our choice. Thanks again for the thoughtful review. take care...dan

[...]

I love you abstract or straight ahead, skipping across or flipping off, Dan :) I see blocks as square...laughing. Seriously, you make fine artistry out of blocks. Deep, thoughtful, resurrecting, and NEVER boring, my friend :)

[dan]

I use blocks as a recurring theme in some of my writes; I use them to represent obstacles life presents in our paths. We can allow them to block us off or we can devise a Plan B, persevere and work our way around (or through) what's in our way. You are too kind in your praise (more, more!!) and I really appreciate your kind words. take care...dan

[AaronFreitas]

The way this write flowed was just perfect. I read it, then re-read it and just let the words soak in. I love the creativity and the imagery. Your writes are always so well thought out and put together... you inspire my friend :) I loved it!

[dan]

Aaron, Thank you for the kind words. I also read each poem I'm reviewing at least twice. Have to see if I missed anything! Thanks again for the read/review. take care...dan

[andrew mitchell]

Dan what a great poem. thanks for sharing

[dan]

Andrew, I appreciate you taking the time for the kind words given to this read/write. Thank you so much! take care...dan

[Lizardo]

DAN!!!! You like Arcade fire!!! Dude that's amazing! I love arcade fire too, I thought nobody here like that band lol. Have you heard their new album? Reflektor as the song says, wow my favorite songs on that album are Normal person, supersymmentry, Porno (That one got me lol) and After life. They have a lot of good songs and putting a thought on them well... it gives the song a more special meaning. On to the poem, I really like this one dan, the flow and rhyme as always are really good. The opening stanza, wow I imagined a little kid (for some reason) seeing pictures of his mother or father or him when he was younger.
The past is fake...Indeed the past is fake, because it doesn't exist, as well as the future is fake, because it doesn't exist, we're always in the "now" section of time... So does that mean that people who say that their past haunt them is actually a fake way to point fingers on whos guilty? even when its an intangible thing like time? quite intersting.
Your poem gave a lot to think about dan, as always you make great poems, sorry for not coming here for son long.
Rating: 100
By the way: If you need to listen to a happy song, listen to coldplay's new song: Adventure of a lifetime, I still can't get enough from that rift.

[dan]

I've only heard a few songs from Arcade Fire and less from Coldplay. I just liked the feel of the song, it fit my write. I like all kinds of music, most of my life's soundtrack you wouldn't know any of the artists 'cause your not old enough. But I'm really glad you liked my write, it means a lot...a lot of gratitude. take care...dan

[Indra Neil]

unique composition and a deep write with wonderful imagery! well done! :)

[dan]

Thanks so much. Your kind words are deeply appreciated. take care...dan

[Indra Neil]

u r most welcome! :)

[Melinda McQueen]

Very nice write.
It effects the reader in a delightful way.

[dan]

Melinda, Thank you for the read and review. I do hope that YOU were affected delightfully. I am grateful for your kind words. take care...dan