Poems

[Jace, Extat]

They Screen For That:

Since I was six and sick I knew; they screen for that

No trips to space, no Moonscapes faced, no zero gee that's not for me 

Be what you want whatever you'll be but oh not me; they screen for that

No F-16's, I have bad dreams and so it seems I should not fly 

And when asked why I like to high it's just because it's that or cry; they screen for that

Nowhere goes your little prose it's just a bunch of words in rows 

But best you use the ones we want in our right way or you'll never even hear us say; they screen for that

Did you know it's fun to learn but only when you get a turn, to ask your learner right from wrong 

It's not wanted, not a quibble, put your head back down and scribble too much asking takes nowhere, lesson plans are better square; they screen for that 

Here come child take a pill, let it sap away your will 

You're a bad one you might kill, good boys sit so fucking still; they screen for that 

Raise your hand and ask for help, it's okay but just don't yelp 

Don't raise your voice don't make a sound, they'll put you in the goddamn ground; they screen for that 

Prove your worth it's all for love, love of fellows- every one 

Oops wait these aren't your friends, they're passing shadows making fun- they'll take away your empty gun; they screen for that

What's it like to be so glad that you don't live angry-mad, I just don't know I couldn't say 

But let me tell you anyway

They Screen For That

[Ser Not Appearing]

I only ever write short, incomplete snippets that still need work but I never return to them so they just stay as-is. Even so, I really enjoy poetry as a way to try and encapsulate emotion.

[The Grey Wolf Strikes Back]

I wrote a bunch of poetry in high school, most of which is pure garbage. I've only ever published one poem (as part of my first anthology) but recently I did write a few senryus/haikus (mainly to push myself out of my comfort zone) as well as a pseudo-ballad my friend tells me reads more like a Blind Guardian song.

Edited March 31, 2023 by The Grey Wolf Strikes Back

[Jace, Extat]

Yeah I whimed that out in like fifteen minutes. Don't make more of it than it is. 

I mean it's true or whatever. But I ain't a fucking poet. I'm a writer. Total difference. 

[Phylum of Alexandria]

Why poetry?

My meat is halfway past its sell-by date.

Do I notice a funny smell?

My daily life is filled with

Responsibilities.

Tasks.

Chores.

Worries.

Amusements.

Small talk.

And all sorts of disposable commodities.

To distract me.

To cover up the smell.

 

That’s why poetry.

Now I will try to sit with my stink. Breathe it in.

Exult in it.

Offer it up as incense to heaven.

[Phylum of Alexandria]

Poems are a fun way to bitch about things!

 

Crossing the Stroad

The stroad is long and wide. Hella wide. So,

Why’d you think you'd just stroll around

Blithely ambulating naked here

Wherein metal is expected?

Did you leave yours at home?

To rust away, unloved, unused?

Unseemly. Goodness me, what a sight.

Blaring louder than LED brights.

Ah, you must have thought there would be

a cross-walk at this side of the stroad.

Ha! So now, you look to us and plead

As we glide by, effortless, inexorable.

You’ll never have the right of way

When you take the left-hand path.

This stroad we ride is long and wide,

And it’s paved us with the best intentions.

Edited January 9 by Phylum of Alexandria

[The Grey Wolf Strikes Back]

I wrote a bunch of poetry this past year involving, among other things, Arthuriana, Greek mythology, German mythology, and French folklore. Believe me when I say no one was more surprised than me.