The writing of poetry, perhaps
(after Stephen Burt)
you can’t compress emptiness—
but you can fill it—
with garbage, or with flowers,
or with flour
we should take care of it—
protect its purposelessness—
save energy for activities
that have no use
if you try to use all your mind
you will use it up—
block it up, fill it up, kill it off—
the constant shift from s to z
5 thoughts on "The writing of poetry, perhaps"
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reference: The Poem is You, p. 155
Such a great ode to emptiness. The first verse is perfect.
Yes! What a great way in: “you can’t compress emptiness—/but you can fill it—”
very Zen. I like it very much
I like the idea of mindless activity as a way of giving our brain a break!! Like binge watching Downton Abbey. The poem gives me permission to not feel guilty! Hee hee! Love “flower” and “flour” and the two different applications of “use”. Good poem!