I used to go to
these poetry slams in
Des Moines.
Little coffee shops of
academia.
They were competitive.
I won a few.
I was homeless and going
through a divorce, life
had me by the throat.
I wanted to win at
living.
That was going to
be a long shot.
The patrons applauded
after the poetry was read.
And after the cruelty of
The concrete, the applause
felt nice.
But mostly, it was the
pretty posey,
the cute and polished
cat shit that received
the prizes.
The stuff with no guts.
It felt like I was watching
goldfish in a bowl.
Eventually, I walked out
of the coffee shop circuit.
It didn’t prepare me at all for
my debut in the abandoned
houses,
writing words on the walls of
those
mad January nights.
Submitted: February 24, 2025
© Copyright 2025 Thomaswcase8'.. All rights reserved.
Comments
Pretty graphic, Thomas, and very well-written. The" cruelty of the concrete" is an attention grabber. Solid work!
Mon, February 24th, 2025 9:17pmWell written Thomas!
Mon, February 24th, 2025 9:47pmVery good. Kick to the balls reading.
Wed, February 26th, 2025 12:32amExcellent work. Hope the coffee was worth it.
Thu, February 27th, 2025 5:49pmFacebook Comments
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Betty Caprelli
Loved it felt like I was watching goldfish in a bowl". I often feel that way just watching the mundane around me as my creative thoughts bounce around inside my mind. Very relatable. Hopeto read more from you.
Mon, February 24th, 2025 5:41pmAuthor
Reply
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Mon, February 24th, 2025 12:58pm