Hi, Friends!
It is my pleasure to share the following poem by fellow poet, Ed Roberts:
“Book Returns”
There are moments
In a writer’s life
That only another writer
Can fully understand
What it’s like
To see your first by-line in a magazine
Or the feeling you get
When you first see your name
On the front cover
Of a book
The feeling you get
When that first person
Comes up to you
And asks you
To sign
Their copy
Yes
These are moments
Only a writer
Can fully understand
Today
I had one of those moments
My brother-in-law
Johnny
Passed away
Two days ago
My wife, my son, and her mother
Have spent the last two days
Going through his things
Deciding what to keep
And what to try and sell
Or donate
This evening my wife came home
With two books
Two books of mine
Which I had signed
For him
As writers
We leave a part of ourselves
Part of our heart
Part of our soul
On paper
Words that are often so much more
That are read and shared by others
Each time I sign a book
I leave a personal message
A part of me
That is meant for that particular person
Yes
There are moments
That only a writer
Can fully understand
I hope that those
Who are not
Can at least try to conceive
Imagine if they will
Why tonight I cried
When two of my books
Were returned
-Ed Roberts 7/8/12-
About Ed Roberts:
“I work in the billing department for a car rental company to buy my groceries. I am also a writer and author who writes poetry to try and change the world. I can tell you that sometimes the world does listen.”-Ed Roberts
You may read more about Ed Roberts or read more of his poetry by visiting the following links: http://www.edrobertspoetry.com and http://www.poetrypoem.com/apoetslaststand
As a writer/poet, I can completely relate to this poem. Our words are birthed from so many different emotions, and to share them with the world is a tremendous and bold step that so many of us take. It is something that creates a bond among writers, and we want our words to go on a journey throughout minds and hearts. Our words are already with us, and so we hope that wherever our words go outside of us…they are kept and treasured. In my opinion, this is a beautiful poem that illustrates the writer’s heart, mind, and soul wonderfully.
Thank you! In the last 10 years I have released 4 books of poetry, actually received a nomination for the Pulitzer on my last “Whispers, Tears, Prayers, and Hope.”
Like so many I have literally lived my life on paper for the world to see. I have also tried to tell the story of people I have met that I felt needed to have their story told but were unable to find the words to do so. Poetry to some is either an art form or something they choose to do for entertainment. For me, it is simply how I breathe. I seldom get to choose the when, where, or even the what sometimes as to the words that appear on the page.
I often have to wait days or even weeks before I can go back and actually read a poem I have written. It simply costs way too much to find the words, writing them often takes every bit from my heart and soul. I know that there are those out there that can understand this. Poetry can possess a power far too few are fully capable of understanding; it can cross cultures, borders, and even time itself. I am glad I have been allowed to share a piece of my writing here and look forward to doing more of the same in the future. Ed
Ed,
I love your response! It describes what poetry is for so many of us. I believe there are many people who mistake poetry for being just some words a person scribbled and decided to share. For me, it is certainly much deeper than that as I have to reveal the most delicate of emotions with my readers. As you have already stated, poetry is something that takes so much out of the poet. I cannot imagine my life without poetry. To be honest, I would not know how to communicate with the world. So, I do thank God for this gift. Poetry is something that I let flow freely within my soul. It comes and goes as it pleases; therefore, I do not force a thought. If I do not feel it, then I do not write it. I have gone two years without writing a single poem, because I could not fake an emotion. Also, the beautiful thing about poetry is even in the times when it is not written…it still speaks. Everything I hear, see, and feel is poetry. Thank you, Ed, for your wonderful response!
For me, my life is poetry, and poetry is my life. It creates and writes me as much as I do it.
I’ve always told people there is a reason why I chose the poem “A Poet’s Last Stand” as the title piece for my first book. In so many ways, it really was and could have been, both at the same time.
A Poet’s Last Stand
Be not so quick
To announce our death
Set aside your shovel and your spade
There will be no burial here
Not as long as these lips have words to form
Or there are tales to be spun
From these withered hands
Yes, we have been quiet
Overwhelmed by today’s clutter
You live too fast
We speak
But you have no time to hear
You can not get culture
At your drive-through windows
Nor can we simply dish it out
For you to scan at will
Ours are words with meaning
They are to be savored for their value
They refuse to be simply devoured
Without leaving some taste behind
Please stop for just a moment
I promise to attempt to entertain you
Maybe it won’t hurt as much as you fear
You will not leave here untouched
For if I fail I will simply lie back
And let you cover my memory
To go about your life
As you began
In darkness
Poetry is not dead
As long as a single soul survives
Ed Roberts 5/14/91
Ed,
I can tell you that I am extremely proud to see a poet as passionate about poetry as you are. People often wonder what sets a poet apart from someone who writes words down on paper, afterall some say…anyone can do that. Sure, everyone is perfectly capable of writing words on paper, but it’s the passion within those words that makes the difference. You have said it well, “For me, my life is poetry, and poetry is my life. It creates and writes me as much as I do it(Quoted from Ed Roberts’ response above).” This is the difference. Poetry is not just words on paper. It is you. And I like that you have stated that poetry is not dead. So many think it is, but it is just as alive as it ever was. It comes in different forms, because poets are different…but it is alive and beautiful!
Beautiful poem – thank you for stopping by today.
Best Regards,
LizEccentric7
Hi, Liz!
Yes, Ed Roberts has written a beautiful poem! His writing is very soothing also, and I enjoy reading his poetry. He’s a very gifted poet/writer. Also, you’re welcome for the visit! I enjoyed reading your blog posts, and I look forward to visiting again soon!
Blessings,
T.S. Wilkins
Thank you very much for your kind words
All I can say is wow! You all brought tears (good tears) to my eyes, I don’t know why. I enjoyed the poem : )
Tears are not a bad thing; they carry our essence to the outside world.