The Non Poet
You don't 'write' poetry,
It writes you
pencils, pens and playlists
There's no formula.
You fight because you know
It's not enough
It never is
You sit there on the bed
Or on a train
In a place
With a seat
You cannot stand and write poetry
Your knees get weak
and fingers can't move fast enough
The rhythm is off
A distracting cough
Stop!
It's there inside everyone
You pour yourself into this dead tree
Feel the life leave
Your chest is heavy, heave.
Watch as the youths text their version
of poetry.
For people who have passed on, like a con
Did you ever care?
Try to link up the stanzas
Try to 'structure'
What is messy and raw
and completely me
If it wasn't for he
This wouldn't have happened.
For that I am grateful
Even if he drinks dead grapes too full
Eyes dilated
Aface I cannot recognise
I understand the lead that comes
from my fingertips
are shaking
and trembling
With every truth I write.
A drama teen
I may be
But perhaps is the same maybe
That led you here.
You don't 'write' poetry
You live it
It frees that wretched hate
Changes your dismal fate
You don't 'write' poetry
It writes you.