Poetry Day Pastoral

By Philip Sidney

Thu, 02 Oct 2014
  • 1888 reads
12 comments
 

I shouldn’t be writing this poem.

I should be unravelling,

rewinding,

today's tangled mess,

into the juggling balls of tomorrow.

 

I shouldn’t be writing this poem.

I should be weighing

sorrow, pity and concern,

into manageable parcels,

for easy distribution.

 

I shouldn’t be writing this poem.

I should be gathering thoughts

into cogent order,

that I might partake

in the to and fro of sensible talk.

 

I shouldn’t be writing this poem.

I should be reading something better.

Pablo Neruda, in Spanish,

Shakespeare, in magic,

Theocritus, in ancient tongue.

 

I shouldn’t be writing this poem. 

I should be singing it, 

under a pine tree, 

to a goat.

 

 

Certificate U
Poem

Comments

Submitted by celticman on

It does get on your goat- poetry!

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Sorry to inflict yet more poetry on the world.  I am quite goat-like.

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

And does the writing actually help unravel and order buzzed thoughts?! I can think of even better to read to clear the fretting mind, but your last verse sounds like a longing for the complete break to let go and escape a moment, breathing a different air, and singing! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

I think writing helps - but then I feel guilty that i haven't done the practical things i should have.  And absolutely with the last part of the poem.  I have a romantic idea of being outside communing with nature and having time to write and be - just a dream, and i'm not really that outdoory...

Submitted by Bee on

I enjoyed reading this Mixture of moods, and I loved that last verse. 

Bee

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Thank you Bee!

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

Yes!  Of course you should be writing, or am I missing the point?  I loved this poem and writing is my way of finding reason in my head.  Poetry can be frustrating, but so too can the muddle of the day.  Well done.

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Thank you Forest!

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Can so identify with this, Philip.  Especially the goat partsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Thanks Tina :)

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Philip

I never feel I have to apologise for spending my time writing when others might think it might be better spent doing housework or gardening or socialising. Because writing, whether it be poetry or prose, somehow makes life and all the other jobs that are necessary for survival worth doing. Don't you think?

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

i rhink you are right Jean, somehow I always seem to be behind on practical things - but this is the case when not writing too!  I should always make the time to write, as you say, it makes everything else worthwhile.