Doubting Poet

Of fragile faith.

Doubting Poet

You see yourself a rock,

statuesque, strong

rooted to the earth

by your gravity on the coast of life.

Standing firm in the currents

as the waves beat at your

sharp edges, acid rain eats

at your earthly form and gales

batter your windward face.

You watch as the cliffs around you

crumble into the ocean,

piece by piece, year on year

and you resent it all.

Your pen says so.

But like the grazing sheep,

on the hill tops,

overlooking that cruel sea

you offer only platitudes

to passing sailors

and show antipathy

to those who would

truly critique.

For platitude is your shield;

you hide behind it as you squirm

at your own image

in the mirror of self-doubt,

and such incomplete truths

will burn in your soul,

until you are laid to rest.

28/11/14

Author's Note

Reviews

[Kiwi.jh]

Wow. Speechless. Good job!

[Lily Mae]

This captivates me and yet I have a burning question.. What happens when we are laid to rest? Did it matter...ever? Hmmm.. I hope so..xo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Lily, hope life up there by the lake is good. Personally I believe in death and so believe in life and do not fear it. We live on in others and that is it.

[Solitary_Streets]

Very good piece,I think it's something that everyone has stood by or watched pass by, I like your voice and use of free flowing words, good job

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks SS.

[willweb]

All of us, well most of us at times have stood on this rocky coast staring out into the ocean's abyss and asking why. Does it make a difference, this friendly wave from time to time, never once finding the right course to enter safely into out own port. It is called being a poet or let's say, someone creative with the pen. We write and we hope to touch someone, but there is truth floating on these seas as well if all we do is send warm wishes in hopes of the favor being returned. John, I think I got this one and you are not alone.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Will for such a considered review.

[Lyn Anderson]

At times we all doubt ourselves, and it is a tough balance to critique and be kind at the same time. Well done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks 'M' just thought of a nick name for you 'Good-e two shoes' lol

[Lyn Anderson]

Umm, not sure if that is a compliment or not, but what the hay, me is me.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Undoubtedly!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and again you wrote me...because many time my feeling is "what am i doing trying to write poetry"

i am a fraud...and then i only wish for that rock strength to offset the insecurities...

[Lyn Anderson]

I really hope you are not calling yourself a fraud, Jacob, because that I cannot agree with.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we all doubt ourselves at times, KL...it's a poet's way...we don't write bestsellers and often people ask me..."so are you ever going to write a novel?" or "when are going to finally write a novel?"
as if poetry just doesn't really make us writers...not until we write a novel and become legitimate..
sad but true.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha Jacob I agree with KLG. And I guess the truth is poetry does not sell like a novel does. I think many people can see themselves in this piece though. Many thanks.