The drought of a poet

sorenbarrett

With what have I offended thee that my springs have gone dry and my harvest infertile 
How have I wounded thy heart and insulted thy crown that my crops have withered
Where have my prayers turned to vomit, sour and bitter as gal
When did my offerings displease you, they the first fruits of my labors
Why do my wells bring forth poisoned waters, black with suds of scum
My sheep have wandered, seeking greener pastures and are no more
What now can I offer you that I have nothing
I a simple poet, only words do I have to present, I know no other trade 

Comments +

Comments14

  • orchidee

    Good write SB.

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks for the read Orchi I appreciate it

      • orchidee

        Yes, as you said about this theme. I suppose I pick out 'good bits' from Psalms, etc. The 'bad bits' wouldn't make for very joyful singing. Or I could do 'bad bits' in Lent!

      • Gelyn

        Don't think that way.
        Sometimes God is not punishing us , sometimes God testing us only to see if we will stay loyal to Him even he removes all what makes us convenient and happy...Just include this to your prayer.
        I Know I'm not perfect so let your light guide me, let your golden rules becomes my armor , when the storm hit me with the vast winds.I will trust you no matter what ....Amen

        • sorenbarrett

          Thank you Gelyn for the review and comment. Actually it is a prayer to my muse that I felt had abandoned me. The story of Job came to mind. I appreciate the read and support as well as encouragement

          • Gelyn

            Oh I see... Job is one of my favorite biblical character...hope you are well

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you Gelyn yes I am fine hope you are as well

            • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

              When there is no inspiration and words have dried up

            • arqios

              Probably one of the most beautiful expressions of the block or the dry season. A definite Fave!

              • sorenbarrett

                Thanks so much Cryptic for the read and kind words of support. I noticed the other day the number of readings had decreased first my own but then I noticed for most and the number or poems posted had dropped. I thought it an anomalies but as it persisted for several days I decided to write this

                • arqios

                  You saw/felt/observed that too!? It usually picks up after the summer holidays, but it hasn't seemed to pick up this year. Also, the high school and college participants usually go their merry way away from poetry after about the first year of dabbling in online poetry? All we can do is remain faithful to the Muse as much as is possible.

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Indeed my friend

                  • Lorenz

                    I like the tone of this dark gospel !

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thanks Lorenz for the read and kind words

                    • Thomas W Case

                      Fantastic work. There’s a raw, biblical lament here, with the failed harvests, poisoned wells, and wandering sheep turning material ruin into a desperate search for what has gone wrong between the speaker and his God. “What now can I offer you that I have nothing / I a simple poet, only words do I have to present” is the keeper for me, because it brings all that ancient anguish down to the vulnerable heart of the poet, standing empty-handed before heaven with the one gift he still possesses: his words.

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thank you Thomas I can always count on you to feel the message. Whether one's god is a muse or some other higher power the meaning is the same. You again have captured it and it is most appreciated my friend

                      • Salvia.S

                        This hits deep. Every true poet knows this drought. But one should hold on, the rain will come again.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you so much for the read and encouragement yes it did to Job and so it will to all that are faithful to the call.

                        • Friendship

                          A strong write. Your poem "The Drought of a Poet" centers on a poet's struggle with a profound creative drought. The poet feels disconnected from their muse or inspiration, leading to despair and loss. The poet seems to explore themes of inadequacy, a longing for validation, and the desperation of an artist searching for meaning and connection.

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you so much my good friend I love your take on this it goes right to the core of its intent and is most appreciated

                          • rrodriguez

                            This really touched me. There's so much pain and honesty in your words. Never underestimate the gift you have as a poet. Your words say more than you realize.

                            • sorenbarrett

                              More than anything else Rodrigues I appreciate your kindness and generosity it warmed my heart.

                              • rrodriguez

                                You bet!

                              • Kevin Hulme

                                I think these things come in Waves. Sometimes you get Ideas. Sometimes Not.
                                A good Write here . And Fave.

                                • sorenbarrett

                                  Thanks so much Kevin I appreciate the read and comment it means a lot

                                  • Kevin Hulme

                                    My Pleasure.

                                  • Tony Grannell

                                    Hello, Soren,

                                    The accursed blank page and the biblical outcry for just one original thought, a spark to light the way out of this barren mind. A powerful expression of the dire need for an answer. A poet in all his nakedness awash in the 'suds of scum' poetised to perfection in this verse. Excellent, my friend.

                                    Fond regards,

                                    Tony.

                                    • sorenbarrett

                                      Thanks Tony, well not a religious man but it was Sunday and why not a biblical style. Appreciate the read my friend your support means a great deal to me my friend.

                                    • Tristan Robert Lange

                                      “Where have my prayers turned to vomit” stopped me, Soren…that is a brutal place to find oneself. Very relatable for me, actually. Powerful write, my friend.. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

                                      • sorenbarrett

                                        Thanks so much for the read my friend. Your comment means a great deal

                                      • Abdullah123

                                        Great write as always. Am experiencing writer's block myself these days; the poem realy resonated with me. A fave

                                        • sorenbarrett

                                          Thank you Abdullah for the review and words of support the and most valued my friend

                                        • Teddy.15

                                          A wonderful title and even on your dryest of days you still find succulents 🤣 top poet. 🌹

                                          • sorenbarrett

                                            Thanks Teddy your words of encouragement are most helpful and appreciated



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