Poetry Competition

Tom C Dylan

Sometimes when I read

a poem that truly takes my breath away,

I wonder why I even try when

I will never compose

anything of such magnitude.

 

And then I remind myself,

I play the guitar,

happily strumming chords, 

my foot tapping away,

without comparing my playing 

to Clapton, Harrison and Hendrix.

 

I read best-selling novels,

with earth-shattering plot twists,

and yet will happily while away

an afternoon writing 

random short stories

that I myself don't understand.

 

I lace up my battered trainers,

and go out for a half-hour jog

without stressing over

my chances of completing 

a marathon or 10K.

 

I tell myself that I should 

adpot this attitude about

the verse I try and compose,

to just relax and go with it,

but I can't help wearing

my art on my sleeve. 

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Comments8

  • orchidee

    And now you've written another poem! lol.
    Beware of some poetry groups. Some can waffle on for ages on boring themes. lol. It makes us think 'Oh no, not a Poetry Reading Group'. Must be some good groups too though.

    • Tom C Dylan

      Yeah, I do like poetry but when I read the classics, I come away thinking, how can I measure up to that?! But I don't do that with my other interests, as mentioned here. I started going to a poetry night last month, and there are people there of all levels. Some are great and some aren't as good. It reminds me of a karaoke night, the way everyone gets up and gives it their best shot. And we have a few drinks along the way too. 🙂 Thanks as always for your comments.

      • orchidee

        Your group sounds better. This group was a bit old fogey, as in: Argghh, here's 'x' again, who will waffle, or mutter on, for about 10 minutes, with an interminable long poem'! I dozed off. lol. I was no better. I muttered too, and no mic!
        Don't worry about reaching, e.g. Shakespeare level. I can't understand half of him anyway. What use is poetry if people can't understand it?! lol.

      • Teddy.15

        A fun fact about me I'm a Harrison. So I love the fact you are honest with your thoughts actually your poems are full of charm fun fact about you. I have never felt any rivalry when writing and sharing my scribbles. I love the feel of your lines and how cool guitar skills ain't too shabby in fact totally cool. A fun read 🤣

        • Tom C Dylan

          Ah you are a Harrison? Good to know, as a massive Beatles fan. 🙂 Thanks a lot for your comments, Teddy. It's comments like yours that keep me going. Cheers, Tom.

        • Doggerel Dave

          I'm not sure I'd like to go to one of your poetry groups, Tom. Much better here where I can engage/disengage with a mouse click.
          However, I'm given to understand that there's a move away from online activities (think they may mean dating sites, but not sure) towards interpersonal activities. So I'm against trend (wot's new?)

          • Tom C Dylan

            I do know what you mean, Dave. It's easier to click leave or close a session down, rather than get your coat and physically leave. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.

          • Accidental Poet

            The artist inside oneself sometimes plays hide and seek. The proof is there whether seen or not. I see a very talented poet in you Tom. 😊👍

            • Tom C Dylan

              Thank you so much for saying so, AP. Your comments have made my day. 🙂

            • Accidental Poet

              Also, some poets are beginners, while others are seasoned poets who've crafted their art over years of reading other's work. That's how I learned about poetry. You just keep at it and learn as you go. You probably didn't just pick up the guitar and played right away, and writing is the same. I can write a poem, but I have a guitar that I can't play one note or cord. 🤔

              • Tom C Dylan

                Thanks a lot for the advice, AP. That's what I keep telling myself. Just keep at it. Just keep going. I can't remember which author said it but with writing, we're all apprentices in a craft where nobody becomes a master. Thanks again, mate. Cheers, Tom.

                • Accidental Poet

                  And after started, no one's a beginner. 😉👍

                • Goldfinch60

                  Good words and marvellous thoughts Tom.

                  Andy

                  • Tom C Dylan

                    Thanks a lot, Andy. Appreciated.

                  • Bella Shepard

                    When you love the art, expressing your thoughts and feelings brings satisfaction, and as you write the last word, fulfillment. It is yours and no one elses. You are wonderfully perceptive, and your poetry is always a joy to read. Thank you dear poet!

                    • Tom C Dylan

                      Thanks a lot for your comments, Bella. It's comments like yours that keep me going when the doubts creep in. Thanks so much. Cheers, Tom.

                    • Thomas W Case

                      Superb Tom. Keep them coming. Brilliant theme.

                      • Tom C Dylan

                        Thanks a lot, Thomas. Really appreciated.



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