I Need a Lucky Break
Writing a poem
It’s like doing a crossword puzzle
I’ve made some good connections
but there are also empty spaces
that I might be able to fill
if I just plug away
if a lucky break outweighs
the urge for giving up
if I don’t flip back to the last pages
to see the predetermined answers
_______Colleen Redman / Poets and Storytellers United
September 27th, 2020 12:47 am
Can a poem have predetermined answers – of the same sort that crosswords have, where only one possibility is right? Well, maybe, like obvious rhymes such as June and moon – but you don’t do things like that!
September 27th, 2020 1:56 am
I am sure each of us feels differently about our writing and poetry. I know that posting is fairly simple but correcting and revising is always on the cards for me as I try to make it a little better!
September 27th, 2020 4:47 am
Your poem reminded me of someone I used to know who filled crossword puzzles with their own words, disregarding clues, and creating a poem.
September 27th, 2020 7:51 am
I set a mental timer every time I start a crossword. I always work in ink. I brag to whoever is within ear-shot when I complete it under the time limit.
I wish I could have the same discipline (& outcome) with poetry.
Nice work, CR.
September 27th, 2020 11:43 am
Whatever your process, it works! Your talent impresses me time after time.
September 27th, 2020 2:58 pm
Whatever you are doing is working beautifully.
September 27th, 2020 3:20 pm
There are poems already at the back of the book? 🙂 It’s a delicate balance between impatience and waiting for the Twain’s right word lightning.
September 27th, 2020 11:07 pm
Once again, a creative, perfect comparison!
September 28th, 2020 9:04 am
I never thought of it as a crossword but I can see that. As to the ending, I rarely know that. It usually surprises me.
September 28th, 2020 9:27 am
i think i have tried this process too, it works sometimes.
my favourite one now is, have a theme, take a pen/pencil and open up to a blank page in a notebook, write down what words or lines that come to mind. wait, sounds a bit like doing a crossword puzzle too.
September 28th, 2020 12:23 pm
I see your muse has glimpsed the last entry in my writing journal *cough*.
September 28th, 2020 1:55 pm
Writing poetry has the ability to befuddle me, delight me, anger me, inspire me …. I wish there was a magic answer page for a spark notes sneak peak.
September 29th, 2020 9:03 pm
LOL, the worst is when I figure out how to fill those empty spaces when I’m in the shower. I need to figure out how to use a notepad and not get it wet.