Poet Eternal
“I’ve forgotten how to write poetry,” the fox said to the crow,
“My mind has lost its easy wit, and my pen has lost its flow.”
“Then pick another hobby up,” the crow advised her friend,
But the fox just shook his head and sat, his mouth a sigh did lend.
¬
“You don’t understand, oh heart of mine, what a loss this is to me.
I cannot fall asleep until my eyes four stanzas see.
Other pastimes that I may like are not suited to a fox.
My parents, ever did they see, would both at once get shocks.”
¬
So on the fox lamented long into the autumn air,
While the crow checked how much sun the day had yet to spare.
Once quiet reigned upon the field for five minutes or more,
The crow fluttered down from her branch and spoke, “Why fox, before…
¬
“…you acted just as unconvinced at ol’ Owlian Blake,
And never could’ve guessed at what a rhyme in you would wake.
Why write off a brush or ball or seed as beneath your clever paws,
If you wish to sleep, to live in peace, and widen mind’s thin walls?
¬
“Inaction brings a deep regret, and regret won’t give you rest.
Do whatever brings you joy; that will make your pen flow best.”
With that the crow bid fox goodbye, soon a spot against dull cloud.
The fox watched the first pale stars come out, rest his head upon damp ground.
¬
¬
The Mirror Test
There are two in this world I will never understand,
the will of hope, and the fear of man
for those who dare walk down a lane
bordered by grass smelling much the same
as any I have ever met,
and yet they’re said to bring regret,
and poison hearts both young and old:
woe to those who dare be bold.
¬
Is woe the smile upon their lips?
Is it the wind that bright eye nips?
One huddles down, and one stands tall,
Which one do regret we call?
Which one took the other path?
Which one in their heart holds wrath?
¬
Wrath is neither, wrath is both,
gold string of will guides paths we loathe
to ever, ever call a pair,
still each one leads to greying hair.
the pen is dropped, the finger stopped,
and the cat in the box at last is shot.
¬
“What do you think?” the fox asked crow.
“It was fine,” the crow crowed low.
“Just fine,” fox frowned, with wrinkled nose.
“Well, artists cannot be opposed.”
“Neither can your snotty lot…”
“And that’s the point, well is it not?”
Points:
Time spent:
Canary word: Present
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Original Text:
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125,013 Literary Works • 672,842 Reviews
I for one, am not a big fan of long poetry. I like to keep it somewhat short.
Honestly, I think it was pretty easy to follow. Any kid could easily read it! But I don't think I particularly think this line was very smooth:
Is it the wind that bright eye nips?
I mean, there's nothing WRONG with it. I just don't really think the line goes very good together. Hey, it's still better than I could ever do, that's for sure. I think the ending was kind of funny! The lines weren't badly portioned either. Not too long, not too short. I forgot that the poem was longer than I usually read. Keep it up! It's great!
Hi! I recently joined YWS and I'm absolutely delighted with the wonderful poetry that can be found~
First off, I'd like to say that I absolutely adore this fable writing style! I've always had a penchant for these types of stories/poems.
The first thing that striked me in the "Poet Eternal" was how relatable the situation described with the fox is. I often find myself, just like the fox, suddenly forgetting how to write for "my pen has lost its flow".
Another thing I really like from the first poem is the crow's advice, "Do whatever brings you joy; that will make your pen flow best." because it is advice that can be actually used and it wasn't just written there for the sake of writing the poem. You knew and you meant it. Speaking from experience, perhaps?
Now onto "The Mirror Test"...
Oh how I love this. There's so many possible interpretations, it's so phylosophical. You're so wise, and I really enjoyed the last stanza with the little banter and the fact that it was the poem the fox ended up writing. I wonder what he did that brought him joy and made his pen flow~
Wonderful work! I hope to read more of your writing. ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ ♡
-Cat