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The Asked Man

placing a pen upon the desk

aligned with paper

grooves of wood and knots in stain

as if absorbed in thought and mind

they seep from below

as if the stars there influence a blueprint

of aeroplanes

of vision

or easel’s frames direct the brush

that strokes

pushing colour

pushing shade

and crystal imperfections

guiding a cutters tool

of life and all it throws

I remain the asked man

◄ Let’s Escape Tonight

Pagans ►

Comments

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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Wed 8th Jul 2020 10:50

Thanks, Clive. It hasn't failed as a poem. It was my shortfall; the idea is brilliant.

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Clive Culverhouse

Sun 5th Jul 2020 13:35

the whole poem is a metaphor for life "asking" the person (me, effectively) what are you doing/going to do/why are you doing what you are doing - in the poem the desk/knots/stains ask what are you going to write, the easel asks the painter what are you going to paint and so on. I remain the asked man to everything I am asked by life/myself/inner voices etc. It is a soliloquy of self doubt and introspection.
Hope this helps, perhaps it has failed as a poem if it needs explaining,

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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sun 5th Jul 2020 12:59

Very interesting. But I have not grasped 'the asked man'. My failing, I'm sure. But I'd really like to understand the inference. It is a provoking idea.

I suppose, if I have to ask, I'm not likely worth the bother. I can accept that.

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