Plainspeak to Poetry
In poetry we don’t say: what do you believe in?
We say: have you forgotten that the sun travels far, not just to touch you and blush as it leaves, but so that when you close your eyes, you see a color deep as plums?
In poetry we don’t say: you are beautiful
We say: I follow you into the dark because you are my candle, and it’s understandable if sometimes you collapse or flare up or have a meltdown.
In poetry we don’t say: I need you
We say: when the deserts lie about an oasis, long after lips have gone dry and water tastes like an eager melody, it is only the tip of the iceberg of my need.
8 thoughts on "Plainspeak to Poetry"
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Gorgeous. Thank you for this.
That second stanza is so wonderful, this whole poem is a great love letter to the art
Thank you! I didn’t come up with this concept on my own.
I found the poem that sparked it again and will mention it and the author here and independently:
“Poetry to English Translations” by Attorious Renée Augustin, Whisper Whisper Shout Anthology
Perfect. I love the transitions.
This is great. Keep going with it. I can imagine a much linger version.
This is lovely!
Read this one on fb, I think. And I loved it! Really speaks to me
This poem inspired me to write mine:
“Poetry to English Translations” by Attorious Renée Augustin, Whisper Whisper Shout Anthology