This poem required a lot of fiddling for something of its length. I originally wrote it without any contractions at all, because I was being (perhaps overly) emphatic. Looking over it, I decided only a few of those words really needed it.
The poem is written like a response, as if speaking to whoever’s made that demand–to own your dreams.
* * *
Recording Dreams
I won’t crack my skull
and spill my dreams into your pocket
They don’t belong there
They do not belong to you
So what if they’re lost?
If they leak out during the night —
dry into a crust I rub from my eyes
it’s my loss
not yours
If it’s meant to be
they will sidle out like fickle cats —
flirt with my hands before surrendering
to curl onto the open page
I love this one, Caitlin. I’ve been in a poetry kind of mood lately, and reading more of modern poets than I have in the past. (I’ve always read and loved the “old” ones!) This is really nice. Do you have any of your poems published? I should dig deeper into your blog and see for myself, I know, but I’m hoping you’ll forgive the question.
I’ll answer all questions I know the answers to, all others I may make something up. 🙂
No, I’ve never been published, but I’m glad you liked it! I adore some older poems, myself. But I find the modern style of free verse suits me best.
Certainly, thanks! Use my Contact Me link.
I have a bunch of poems, I guess–32 posted here, a few I haven’t shared, and I write more as they come to me. 🙂
I’ll get back to you in a bit…helping Mark in the garden. But I’ll fill you in on the details. Laytah, gaytah!
When I was younger, I was very fond of blank verse, and wrote quite a bit of stuff using that form. I liked the structure, even without the rhymes. But I love any style now, really, as long as the words have that lyrical quality to them that I really admire. Do you have enough poems to start thinking about publishing? I am seeing a slight resurgence in interest in this part of the country, anyway.
nice one! Dreams which are seen with eyes open often become good subject for poetry.
Thanks! I find dreams good inspiration for poetry and stories. 🙂
I love the line “and spill my dreams into your pocket” – great poem!
Thanks! 🙂
Excellent Cait!
Thanks!