Townshend Would Be So Disappointed Right Now
A wizard I am not
besot by steel balls
brain knotted mere flot-
sam in the drink
getting got by the machine
fraught
in slight delays of thought
another quarter in the slot
embarrassment was bought
I have multiball
on my third ball
tracking three balls
now I can’t fall
right?
bumpers buzzers
bells blares
bright lights and bold sounds
beautifully rhythmic
but only if there’s talent
the balls band together
in triangular formation
transporting me to Galaga
kamikaze aliens
this is a moment I cannot fail at
this is where I turn the whole game around
when it’s late
and it’s just you and me
way, way beyond the time
for me to speak my heart
my little ship
overwhelmed
freezes
fumbling fingers
fling frenetic
flippers fraction-
ally too early
and I watch
so much potential
slip
one
two
three
into oblivion
shoot again
is not highlighted
17 thoughts on "Townshend Would Be So Disappointed Right Now"
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Great one, Philip. So much fun to read aloud, some nice tenderness and yearning there, and the slipping into oblivion such a nice touch.
When writing poetry, I really enjoy tying things together, taking one thing and somehow making it another, but still making it the same. I can’t wait to read this one aloud.
Love all the fricatives, and getting got by the machine. Nice poem.
Fricatives is a new word for me, which is just the latest of what this year of poetry has taught me. Thank you so much for commenting!
You’ve captured this frustration beautifully. And what wonderful alliteration!
fumbling fingers
fling frenetic
flippers fraction-
all too early
Poetic gold.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Regarding the alliteration, this was very much a case of the poem telling me what to do. I’m glad that tou enjoyed it!
Really nice sounds throughout! I also enjoy the “kamikaze aliens” and the “embarrassment [that] was bought” (an all-too-familiar experience, unfortunately)
I don’t play with sound very often, but this poem made it clear to me early in the writing that yes, sound needs to be a part of it. I’m glad you were able to find something in this poem!
You nailed the movement, sound and alliteration in this poem.
I can’t express how fun this was to put together, and how fun it will be to someday read. Adding to that is the appreciation of others Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
fantastic sounds and fun. i felt the sounds and movement of the game in the words—a job well done
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Ahhh. . . Who would be disappointed? For Pete’s sake, not Townshend! Or Daltrey or Entwistle! Like Keith, they’d be over the Moon about this dynamic, bouncing, magical poem! Thanks for taking your readers on the bus ride that is this poem! That’s my feedback😉🔮🪄🎸
Wouldn’t be a question if I could play pinball like I write poetry. But thank you so much, your comment made my day!
I appreciate the sonics
This is a poem I cannot wait to read out loud! Thank you for your comment!
Fun! Love the title. Once upon a time, I was obsessed with the rock opera Tommy!