Words draw me to places yet unexplored
Stretched across the page like a mountain full of trees
Some of value tall and strong others just scraggly bushes
What draws me to write incessantly // hours on end
Filling pages with cobwebs of past // present // and future
*
So many like me write on and on, words unheard // never read
Yet they write, like me; seems they just can’t help themselves
What magic is in these words // the morphine of the soul
Stimulation like no other is my well written page
Compelling me to keep seeking that one last high
*
I am an Alzheimer’s poet // words flowing day after day
Yet with no memory tomorrow of what I wrote yesterday
There’s magic in words, shuffling the cards and dealing
A new hand every day… new words, new thoughts written
Perhaps one day soon I’ll be dealt my last hand…
*
My royal flush
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Today at d’Verse, Victoria asked us to write a soliloquy. It is essentially a poem that has the poet in conversation with himself/herself. Musings and ponderings are heard only by the poet himself/herself. Perhaps it is what we old folks do as we age… talking to ourselves. Today, I am musing about why i continue to write everyday.
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
“I am an Alzheimer’s poet // words flowing day after day
Yet with no memory tomorrow of what I wrote yesterday”
Hahaha, this is a GREAT way to describe the process. Very beautiful, Dwight!
LikeLiked by 8 people
Thank you Lucy! I am sure it is not that way with you!! :>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha, perhaps not. But I don’t always remember what I’ve written, say two days ago. Always one poem after the next, I wish I could remember them all sometimes. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes indeed sonetimes i lookback on piems i am wfitten and surpruse myself that i had written that 🙃
Happy Thursday
Much❤love
LikeLiked by 7 people
Yes I have often done that… then I repost it again!! LOL Thank you Gillena!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do that, too! 😀
LikeLike
I do hope, not for a very long time! You write beautiful poetry, we all love.
Thank you.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much Joanna! I hope not for awhile yet! I do appreciate your kind words.
LikeLike
Oh, Dwight, I do relate to this. That line:
I am an Alzheimer’s poet // words flowing day after day
Yet with no memory tomorrow of what I wrote yesterday.
It’s fun to go back, read old poems, and wonder where the hack they came from.
LikeLiked by 5 people
heck, not hack…when will I learn to edit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ha ha… blame it on the computer!! :>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
S omeone else said the same thing! I said yes, and then I go back and repost them!! LOL Thank you Victoria!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Splendid poem, as always! Especially loved the phrase “morphine of the soul” 😍 Just how perfectly descriptive of writing is it!
LikeLike
As seems to be your usual, you’ve certainly proven to be skilled in invoking a certain sad appreciation from me. The final stanza in particular is my (and many others’) favorite, and though I dislike the emotions stirred up by the reading, I applaud you for the ability to bring it about. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments. Yes life seems to be that way, great on one end and sad on the other. You and I were traveling down the same path on this prompt. I do appreciate your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh, this hits close to home. Poet/Activist/Mentor/Friend, recently went into a community leaving her home, giving me some books. It’s difficult for me because as someone adopted, I imagined her not only a professor, advisor, but as one of my mothers–having many strong women watching out for me, fortunately. And it’s so tough!
LikeLiked by 5 people
I can see how this has affected your. Growing older is not an easy task, especially when memory starts to slip and we can no longer care for our own needs…. now something I look forward to for sure.
I appreciate your thoughtful comments. Very sorry to hear about your friend!
dwight
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hang in there, Dwight! I send positive energy your way. Will be thinking about you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, thank you, and to you as well my friend! Keep on writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why do we write? .. every day! .. your explanation are superb, and so very relatable for this old fellow poet .. well done Dwight …
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thank you Ivor! I guess we are obsessed! And love being so…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Dwight.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Jeff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful rendering of the commune with the muse. I usually forget them once they’ve taken wings from the page.
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is true, especially when one writes every day! Thank you Lisa for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Great!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those last two lines are so powerful and chilling
LikeLiked by 4 people
It’s what we all face at some point! Thankyou so much for you comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Its poetry, you deal with one today, tomorrow something new crosses your head and you forget yesterday
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, exactly, it is like climbing a mountain one step at a time and each one higher than the last one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I, for one, am glad you continue to write every day, Dwight! Some powerful musing here, especially the idea of not remembering what you wrote yesterday. This suggests that the act of writing itself is more important that what is written!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Perhaps it is just same I am growing old!! LOL Thanks Ingrid for your kind affirmation. I do appreciate your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading the comments as much as reading the poem! Very thought-provoking!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, I do appreciate all the thoughts and interpretations of my words. They make writing worthwhile. Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Dwight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Be Sure To Read This from Dwight!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Loved this Dwight! Amazing capture of that feeling we get!! I think these lines say it all –
“What magic is in these words // the morphine of the soul
Stimulation like no other is my well written page
Compelling me to keep seeking that one last high
Bellissimo, Dwight!!!! Make sure this makes to you “Best of Dwight Roth book”!
😊✨🎁👍
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much Chuck! I was just writing the way I feel. I am so glad it connected with you as well. Thank you for your kind words. That book is yet to come! :>)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, My Friend, I will urge you not to put it off!!!
😊✨👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
We will see! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dwight,
A thoughtful soliloquy, enjoyed your provocative ruminations on what drives you to write, “stimulation like no other is my well written page” — the perennial quest for that “high,” that “royal flush.” Like a gambler, we’re addicted to the game, for its own rewards, aren’t we? Especially the unexpected ones that lead us to new places.
pax,
dora
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Dora! I never imagined being a writer of any kind. It all evolved slowly over the past years and now is an obsession for me. I love writing. …trying to say something in as few words as possible…. yet including everything necessary. You have assessed this poem very well. I really appreciate your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful! You took me on a visual ride about writing. This may very well be my favorite piece of yours. Well done!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for your kind words! Sometimes we just can’t help ourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏🏼
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Dwight. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful poem, Dwight! Though I love your last stanza–“Alzheimer’s poet” in particular–I suspect that the daily writing actually keeps your mind active.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it does! Hopefully for awhile to come! I appreciate your kind comment Merril.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Dwight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent poem!
I am an Alzheimer’s poet // words flowing day after day
Yes, that is me too!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Amazing how quickly we can forget! Our memory banks must be full. I think I need a side drive!! :>) Thank you Mary.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes I can’t think of a keyword for a blog post I want to look back to
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh, I know, we are all in the same old boat!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh so true Dwight! Isn’t it funny how we can write with our words flowing freely and then the next day you have recollection of what you have written. I like to think that is when I am channeling someone! ☺️🌺
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha ha… perhaps the person who used to be able to remember! Thank you for your comments.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh definitely! ☺️💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memory is selective and sporadic. For instance, the day and the date often elude me. Maybe my mind, like my computer, needs a new hard drive with more memory. 🙂
Love the poem, Dwight. Very relatable! ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Cheryl for your interesting comments. Lots of things seem to elude me! I think we need a side drive… sort of like a cochlear implant to help us out… maybe a chip! Ha ha… Dream on…
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
wonderful poem
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every thought, emotion, line … truer words never written. I so loved reading this.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Helen! I am so glad you connected with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in the same boat. I’ve always had to look at my poems to know what I wrote, even yesterday. Write on, brother!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha ha… thanks Ken… I guess it’s a reminder that our royal flush is coming sooner than we might like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I identify with much of this beautiful write, Dwight. It is a sentimental journey to read back over things I’ve written years ago….the words that compelled me to set them to paper. We are fortunatte to be able to validate our inner self, even if the words are never seen!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, I agree. I like to do self publishing so that the words are there in print! Thank you so much for your kind words.
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading this soliloquy. I might try this style next month.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is easy for old folks, we talk to ourselves all the time! LOL Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m both fortunate and cursed to remember most the thousands of my poetics. I do lament, however, looking back and seeing subjects and phrases I seem to repeat incessantly.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So maybe not remembering is a blessing in disguise for the rest of us! It is hard to look back and see our typos and mistakes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“the morphine of the soul” – beautiful, Roth. Definitely a royal flush ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much! I am very glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I pray one day soon you do NOT receive your final hand!! Beware – because it is so true: “There’s magic in words…” and you and I need to keep them positive!! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, they are used in so many ways! Positive is the way to live!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“So many like me write on and on, words unheard // never read
Yet they write, like me; seems they just can’t help themselves”
These lines resonated so deeply, Dwight. We can’t help writing. Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much! I am glad it connected with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Michael!
LikeLike
When I click on you link it sends me to: https://bizmarc.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
Love it, and its very thought provoking too. Thank you for sharing, and have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Michael! I am glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
a masterpiece really Dwight, as writing is compulsory and cathartic for most of us 🙂 Nice to hear it voiced and see how many it resonated with!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Kate! It is all of that for sure. This is why we continue! It is very addictive. I appreciate your kinds words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure I assure you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
such beauty in your words in your thoughts to yourself which is my favorite way to write and you explained why I write so well. the end with your royal flush was beautiful Dwight! 💖💖
LikeLiked by 3 people
I can relate to this one…I write and write even tho’ no one reads most of what I write. It’s therapy for free 🙂 and it’s a wonderful hobby. 🙂
Keep writing, Dwight! Every word, thought, message is precious and wonderful to share!
I’m sure your Royal Flush is a hand of ❤ 's !!! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love it! Maybe a straight flush… All hearts!! ?? Thank you Carolyn. You are right writing is not just an obsession, it is great therapy. And sometimes it takes us places we have not been for many years!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the line of the Alzheimer’s poet… every new day, every poem a blank page.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Sort of living with an etch-a-sketch brain! Erased every day.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comment!
LikeLike
Beautiful poem!Yeah, for me, once I write the poem, I just sort of forget it and move on,its just yet another blip on my writing history.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Seems that way, especially if we write a lot! Thank you so much for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect description of so many of us. The day after I finish a book, I’ve already forgotten the title. A week later, I can’t tell you what it was about.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You got it! That is exactly the way it is…. Maybe we should just write one a week and then take the rest of the week to memorize it. :>) Thank you Sara for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Royal Flush – (a soliloquy) – MobsterTiger
Beautiful post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
Great
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
wow dwight!
So so good! Such a powerful monologue!
xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really are digging deep into the archives! Thank you very much for your comment!
LikeLike