The Truth About Tigers

occasional musings and free verse poetry, approximately



Disappearing Ink

How many ways can poets speak
of capturing ideas like hummingbirds,
trapping them within pages of journals
or the confines of keyboards?
How many times must they illustrate
that thoughts drift like feathers
on a north wind? That they require
swift plucking from the ether,
before they land in the mighty river
of thought and float forever away?

Will they ever cease
to compare ideas to butterflies,
pencils to nets?
Will it ever be enough,
or is it imperative to remind us again
of the muse, of her essence as transient
as dusk shadows, employing terms like
ephemeral and dancing, to impress upon us
that these sparks of inspiration
aren’t birthed from the mind,
but rather ensnared from the void?

That they simply appear on burning pages,
penned in quickly disappearing ink,
as we rush to snap a desperate,
grainy photograph before they dissolve
form our messy realm
and set off in search
of another more prepared,
more deserving customer?


Written for the Ragtag Daily Writing Prompt. The word for the day is Ink.


Responses

  1. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    “How many ways can poets speak
    of capturing ideas like hummingbirds,
    trapping them within pages of journals
    or the confines of keyboards?”

    As many ways as there are stars in the universe….
    Wonderful poem, Nick.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Indeed, indeed. Thank you, Kate!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Kate Avatar
        Kate

        Most welcome, Nick. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. drkottaway Avatar
    drkottaway

    But wait, where did the tigers go?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Miriam Costa Avatar
    Miriam Costa

    THIS is a great poem

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you kindly, Miriam!

      Like

  4. Mia Winhertt Avatar
    Mia Winhertt

    Very, very nice!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you, Mia! I’m a big fan of your writing, so your compliments are very encouraging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mia Winhertt Avatar
        Mia Winhertt

        Humbled to know that, Nick! Thank you! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  5. The Creative Chic Avatar
    The Creative Chic

    Incredible writing, Nick.

    Like

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you, CC!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The Creative Chic Avatar
        The Creative Chic

        Lovely to meet you, please call me Jennifer or Jenn! Or CC is fine too 🙂

        Like

      2. Nick Allison Avatar
        Nick Allison

        Jenn, lovely to meet you as well!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      I enjoy your poetry very much as well 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The Creative Chic Avatar
        The Creative Chic

        That’s so nice of you, I’m glad you enjoy my poetry too 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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