Yesterday at dVerse Poets Pub, Lisa presented an inspiring prompt for poetics. I figured I would rush out a few poems with the prompt “Edges and fringes,” but when I sat down to write, all I came up with were lists of words I wanted to use, nothing more. Today, after some journaling, it came together.
With One Toe Pushing
Ego drowns in the campfire at the edge of fascination
at the brink of sanity with one toe pushing
Who then maintains the role of oversight?
An oversight of Ego’s; I am certain
When honesty eclipses opinion in the jelly shower of imagination
its sharp bite creating borders verging on volatile
Is it raising tempers to breaking
or tempering passions to advantage?
Artistry crosses the hangnail edge of complete hurt
I want to lose myself, to stay in the fire
But I must strike while imagination is hot
and yet my very being is on strike
Humility returns with the hitchhiker cobwebs of wisdom
Between sane and mad is such a fine, fine line
like a hummingbird feather’s quill
an eyelash fallen from a field mouse
a sand flea trail on a Northwest beach
but the sand invites my toes to sink
and waves crash to keep my attention
the sand fleas irritate my body alive
I am safely back from the edge
I refrain–only peer at the beyond
at what can and will be–singing the refrain: not today
Experience Writing 
So much to love in this–here’s my fave pick: “Artistry crosses the hangnail edge of complete hurt
I want to lose myself, to stay in the fire
But I must strike while imagination is hot
and yet my very being is on strike
Humility returns with the hitchhiker cobwebs of wisdom
Between sane and mad is such a fine, fine line
like a hummingbird feather’s quill
an eyelash fallen from a field mouse
a sand flea trail on a Northwest beach”
Exceptional writing, I’m sure you know–BRAVO.
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Thank you. I’m glad you like it.
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You’re sincerely welcome!
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Hi maria , arthritis flaring, typing excruciating, but good work!
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Thank you. So sorry to hear you’re in pain.
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Your poem is filled with raw emotion 💜💜 I love how the end is both heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.
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Thank you.
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Of course! Sorry about two comments from me 😬😬
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Such a raw poem 💜 The ending is heartbreaking and promising at the same time.
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Metaphor after beautiful metaphor, like a string of beautiful pearls! I loved it.
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I especially love that final stanza when you cross the edge to walk in the sand… somehow it feels like a little journey out into madness is good, as long as you know your way back.
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And oh my, did it come together. I love the examples you use to show how thin the line is between the two.
What a potent ending line:
“singing the refrain: not today”
To know one’s limits is to be free.
Great image you chose for this wonderful poem.
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Thank you. I’m so glad you like the poem, and I took the picture this morning (those are my boots and pajamas 🙂 ).
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You’re welcome. I wondered what the red comfy-looking whatever it was being worn was 🙂
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