how a writer may navigate new shoes to say (smiling that same smile) and beg or borrow or feast upon another’s words, the ripeness of life.
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adopt.
an infant.
a child idea.
new bare feet.
tadpole toes.
learning to express.
mother’s milk.
neil reid © july 2011
commentary:
This is really a one-word-poem. Been thinking still about writing styles and how I’ve learned along the way. “Stealing” I like to think to myself; but I’m not really that bad, just a dramatic, amusing way to imagine – pirate poetry! But actually mimicry, yes, that’s been of valuable use to me, although not so deliberately, but just what-I-read, it’s sort of like eating and it just gets echoed often in what I write following a meal.
So, what is the word. I like “adopt”, to take within as your own; I think that rightly applies, homage to the source as well. And the poem itself, it satisfies, however…
After several lengthy poems (with short titles), time I thought to reverse the roles. And the poem borders close on being obscure, so I wanted the title to really set the stage. Thus that monster three line title thing. Maybe that sets the scene, but I’m not so sure I got it right. However – it does amuse me too, and that counts.
Any better title ideas? Suggestions welcome
bearly audible 
No title thoughts yet but had to comment on “tadpole toes” and “pirate poetry” as I love both phrases. And what a clever conceit: “learning to express mother’s milk”. very clever.
Ain’t it sweet, the way poems sometimes land?
Is this poem a sort of silly thing? Yes. Is this poem also sincere? Also yes. I was as surprised as any with how the last two lines reached across the table to combine! Yet still accurate for what the poem wanted to say.
And an example too of what a “freeway poem” can be, driving at full speed through morning traffic, writing blind, scribbling really, as not to take my eyes off the road. A glyphic poem if you saw the odd penmanship!
Thanks margo!
The title is kind of charming. Ah, the single idea, the single image, like molecules. I’m slow, but yea, I see the pun in “learning to express” now that Margy mentioned it. It makes me think of the firstness of things. But Neil, lengthy is still goood.
As you might imagine Irene, I’m far from giving up story-time-poems, however a little fresh fruit from time to time, oh yes, good for the tongue. Besides, who am I to say no when something just falls on me?
Thank you Irene.
Neat, Neil. I don’t have the guts to try anything that spare. Got to explain everything three ways.
Actually, I like the post title. The poem title is a bit convoluted for me (as if I don’t do the same). You might go somewhere with the baby feet, like the journey of 10000 miles beginning before the first step.
Thanks, I understand and oft share that sentiment (like to explain!) although I’d not say you “over do” in what you write, but simply say all there is to touch in a thought (like in your wonderful rain poem today).
Wasn’t planning to be sparse. But just wanted that one word that honestly, accurately said how I feel about using (adopting) something from another poet. That word found, then the question – what does that word mean. Then repeat. That’s simply what this poem did, word by word.
Thanks again for the comments.
I like the “adopt” idea, maybe they’re “step words” you are not their father but you adopt them, foster them and nurture them until they grow up into poems
Yea, like dogs and cats! Thank you Sean. Also yea, you got the idea that seemed most gracious to me (about my gentle piracy!).
And PS. I seem to be on a theme. Another poem follows also about “shoes”, no so dedicated to you, my world-shoe-traveller! Thanks.