Poem on the Table
Go ahead—vivisect the poem.
It won't die if you should slice
and peel away the skin
to trace the muscles
and tendons of control.
Its intelligence won't be
diminished when you take
a bone saw to its cranium
and explore the hemispheres
and wrinkles of its brain.
Its sexuality isn't compromised
if you reveal the paired gonads.
A poem can't be killed
by a bladed, clamped,
and scissored investigation.
Even a stake
through its heart
has no effect—
it breathes again and even
burned and buried carries on.
It won't die if you should slice
and peel away the skin
to trace the muscles
and tendons of control.
Its intelligence won't be
diminished when you take
a bone saw to its cranium
and explore the hemispheres
and wrinkles of its brain.
Its sexuality isn't compromised
if you reveal the paired gonads.
A poem can't be killed
by a bladed, clamped,
and scissored investigation.
Even a stake
through its heart
has no effect—
it breathes again and even
burned and buried carries on.
"even burned and buried carries on" is such a fine way to end this splendid metaphor, Gary. *
Thank you, Nonnie.
The resilience of the written word...love this, Gary *
The resilience of the written word...love this, Gary *
Immortality is the much-sought perk. Too bad the wages suck.
This made me feel and think at the same time. Enjoyed every aspect of this poem.
Thank you, Foster, James and Carol.
Perfect.*
Thanks, Amanda.
Carol hit it: feel and think. Yup, me, too (and I usually don't think much when I read a poem). *
Like the humor & wit in the piece, especially.
Like the way you think. *
Thank you, Matt, Ed, and Jake.
Thoughtful and thought-provoking*
Thank you, Gary.
Sometimes we conduct our own autopsies. This is a word to the over-editor that lives between my ears. Good work.
I especially like the bone saw with exploration. Fine poem, Gary.
Thank you, Angela.
Thank you, Sam.
Nice *
Thank you, Christian.
splendid. "the muscles
and tendons of control"
Thank you, Beate.
Wonderfully effective all the way through; and that last stanza - Yes!!
beautiful, Gary.
Thank you, Emily.
Thank you, Frankie. Great to see you back!
Poem Power!!! I agree!
Thank you, Carl