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Saturday, March 8, 2008

Get the Juices Flowing





Well it's Tess's turn to blog and everyone is doing such a good job I don't know how I can follow up. So maybe I'll just ramble a bit. I'm having a bit of writer's block lately. Outside pressures seem to scare the hell out of my muse and she takes off~~just when I need her most. Believe it or not writing transports me to another place and helps relieve stress. So when the little sprite deserts me it only compounds the stress.

Recently though I've re-discovered a way to get those creative juices flowing and it does help in coaxing my muse back for periods of time. Poetry. I hadn't written any in years and then a friend recommended I try it. I'm not churning out tons of poetry, but I am getting a few pieces written and in the process was able to flesh and polish a manuscript and get it submitted. And I'm going to share one of those poems with you today.

We're mostly women here on the group and I think we can all identify with the subject matter of this poem. If we haven't experienced it first hand we can still imagine. Hope you enjoy.

Betrayal

Quiet fearful steps take her closer
The untamed rhythm of her heart slamming against her breast
Lungs swelled, filled with air, aching for release

Pausing to listen
Hands trembling, mind racing
Doubt choking resolve

Endless questions gather
A still and lonely silence answering
Mind and heart in raging battle

Memories melt, touching her soul
Her smile weeps
The past no more

A fragrant loss burdens
Victory indeed a double edged sword
Pain the only champion

Strength summoned, a woman’s curse
Bitter sweet, the memories fade
Cloaked in anger, embracing the light

Slivers of moonlight promenade sweetly
Candlelight scattering its glow
The scent of man, the scent of woman, wafting in the air
Dancing shadows on the wall
Passion’s painting come to life
Muted voices of lust resound

Tangled bodies, rustling sheets
Grunting, groaning
Ecstasy reached

In the darkness she stands alone
An anguished silence hypnotic and hollow
Questions answered in the stillness of shadows

Wrapped in the scent of salacity
Moonbeams catch her tears, dousing the flame of hope
A cold wall ascends, the architect betrayal its craftsman

She turns and walks away, her footfalls quiet no more
Her blackened heart beating loud and strong
Its cadence singing revenge

19 comments:

Cassandra Gold said...

Poetry sounds like a great way to get the muse going again.

Congrats on getting the manuscript submitted! :D

C. A. Salo said...

Hey Tess
I know the feeling of that muse taking a holiday. She's been doing it to me recently also.

It's awesome that you found your 'push' by writing poetry, and have to say, good job!

I've never been a poet myself, so I applaud the ones who are.

Here's to hoping that muse jumps back at you!

Cassidy McKay said...

Awesome post, Tess! Wow. That sounds like the start of a romance novel there... or a murder mystery. Great job on the poetry and on kick-starting your muse.

Cassidy

Savannah Chase said...

a great post Tess, IO hope the muse comes back....I recently got back into my music when I started to have blocks in my work...

It gets your mind off the block and you forget about the worry....

AnneMarie Roberts said...

Ohhh for the love of poetry...sigh and for you~

Love the poem, great post~so very true!

Hugs

Dee Dawning said...

Aww, Now I get to follow you. Nice poem Tess. Nice blog for someone with a block.

Sascha Illyvich, erotica romance writer and real estate investor said...

After I made the realiazation that poetry doesn't sell, I think I lost my poetic muse, but for anyone looking or a way to recharge, doing someting different will certainly do it.

GoodjobTessie!

Adriana said...

Tess, I always love your poetry and this one is no exception. You have such an enticing, evocative voice. I hope you're considering putting them together in a collection someday - but, I sure wouldn't want that to add any stress to your life! I'm just grateful for the time being that something that soothes your soul and reduces your stress level is such a gift for the rest of us!

Adriana

http://www.adrianakraft.com

danetteb said...

Nicely flowed, it's a beautiful poem. Great way to get the juices pumped. :D

Hugs, Danette

R. Paul Sardanas said...

As you know, I love this poem, Tess. It is an intensely passionate mindplay, which you rachet up to the level of delirium with your use alternately clear and oblique viewpoints...revenge riding on the razor's edge. Wonderful work indeed.

R.

LA Day said...

Great poem, Tess.
Hope it helps with the writer's block.

Mary Ann Reed - Mary Suzanne said...

Way to go, Tess. I love all your poetry.

Mary Ann

Paige Tyler said...

Great post, Tess!

*hugs*
Paige

Tess MacKall said...

Thanks Cassandra.

Hey, CA...why don't you try a little poetry. You never know. Good luck on kicking that muse's ass!

Tess MacKall said...

Cassidy. Yes, this gal definitely has murder on her mind. You're right, I could get a novel out of this one. lol

Savannah~~Thanks for your support. You are always there for me with a kind word.

Tess MacKall said...

AnneMarie...you are the poetry addict here. You should post a poem your next time up!

Dee...I can always find something to ramble on about. And since I am just now getting blogger to work for me I am commenting to everyone. And you of course have already posted your blog.
So I see you found a way to follow me. lol...

Tess MacKall said...

Thanks Sascha. Yes, you are right poetry is not the key to making money, but it certainly helps my muse. And I must admit, I enjoy reading it and admire those who are published. They are not in it for the money, but to share their thoughts and to hopefully give pleasure.

Adriana, thank you for your kind words. My poetry is a bit scattered. Not so sure I will ever try to publish anything. There are so many awesome poets out there, so much more deserving of being published than me. They work at their craft just as we work at ours...I am truly stunned by the beauty of the words I read on some poetry sites.

Tess MacKall said...

Danette~~thank you so much. Flow is something that comes with feeling I think. I've found that when I simply "let go", flow is not so strained, but rather natural.

R~~You my friend are The Master...I will never be even one hundredth as good as you! Even your comment is dizzying for me.

Tess MacKall said...

Laura, Thank you, girl...You might want to try it yourself sometime, but then I bet you never have writer's block. You are soooo disciplined!

Mary~~awwwww, you are sooo sweet and you have given me such encouragement. I do appreciate it so much.

Paige~~thanks, hey you gonna post a hunk here? lol...can't wait to see what you have in store for this blog.