printable version PDF version

Perhaps
by lex Wednesday, Oct 4 2017, 9:51pm
international / poetry / post

a common occurrence

‘what would you?'
(after a pleasant exchange)

‘i am not free’

‘indeed, ur jail is in ur head
and the key to freedom
is in ur hand’

‘my mind closes when u use those words’

‘which words? i am a poet and cannot deprive myself
of my medium of expression -- my words are my resource,
each with its tone, variation, colour, meaning and impact,
would a painter deprive himself of certain colours? no!
ur reaction/interpretation is entirely ur own,
nevertheless appreciate the power of woven words
as they have done their work, u are clearly affected’

‘if u are skilled in the art then please me’

‘indeed i would but ur reaction to colour, verve
and passion is to shrink in hesitation and fear,
who or what is responsible for ur reaction?’

‘culture deems those words inappropriate’

‘yes, it does, but am i addressing culture or you,
who are You?

culture creates all words to ensnare, entrap
and shape behaviour according to its designs,
my words are designed to liberate subjects
from the jails they create

it is known among the skilled,
“rise by that by which you fall,”
do u not see?’

‘i see and feel only what u do with ur words,
i am perplexed’

‘as intended, now move ur tongue and lips
and articulate with skill, u may be a poet urself’

‘i see a solitary flower in a japanese vase,
its beauty overwhelms’

‘ah! u are beginning to understand and appreciate,
now see me if you dare to see and free urself --
the rungs of a ladder are used to ascend and descend,
u are free to choose the direction’