Sometimes an idea for a work pops into my head and won’t let me go until I develop it. A recent conversation inspired this one.

I don’t write a ton of poems, and it was also the first one I’ve written for a while that hasn’t been song lyrics. It was interesting to have different parameters.

(PS: the idea-giver knows who they are, so don’t worry, it’s not about you 🙂 )

 

Enigmatic

You are the word I can’t quite recall
Brushing the edge of my mind.
Distant, familiar
Deftly obscure
Escaping comprehension.

Your memory flirts with the tip of my tongue
My lips half-remember your name
I realize I’m biting my cheek
Tasting blood
Yet I’m still at a loss what to say.

Alas –
The moment is swallowed by its transience.
Inertia provides me a synonym
Resuming my journey of speech.
As I continue down the labyrinthine path
The unanswered question grows dim.

Is this where it ends?
The missing word casts a shadow in my subconscious.
Perhaps someday in need
You will let yourself be found once more –
I will remember you
And self-expression will feel complete.