Why I Didn't Write by Ken HarnischI am a superstitious man
So walking on cracks in the sidewalk
Or reaching down to pet black cats
Is not in my repertoire.
Neither was writing you
When I most needed to do that.
To know what I feared
Overwhelmed by the fear of the knowing.
To believe the worst and hope
For the best
Not wanting the outcome to be
Decided by any thought I had to the contrary
I have not some shade of doom hanging in
My window
However, it seems what I wish for most
Never transpires, as if the Fates,
Taunting me with their caprice,
Wait for its expression
Before denying its feeble hope
So you understand:
I wanted to know
And badly
I muttered the wished-for outcome in
Sleep and waking hours
I did not pray for it, though;
I thought such supplication
In a world of misery unfair
To an already put-upon deity.
But boy did I
Pray when I heard you weren’t
Leaving.
06/30/2009 Posted on 06/30/2009 Copyright © 2024 Ken Harnisch
Member Comments on this Poem |
Posted by Alison McKenzie on 06/30/09 at 06:44 AM Wow, this circumspect poem really says it without saying it at all. |
Posted by Melissa Arel on 07/02/09 at 12:33 AM One thing I've always loved about your poetry is the honesty. You know I'm all gungho for that kind of openness. This poem doesn't disappoint. Great job as always :) |
Posted by Lauren Singer on 07/02/09 at 07:11 PM mmm what a perfect little crumpled up ball of time. i too have been here, and felt this way, and wrote in spite of myself about it. wonderful. |
Posted by Olivia Martin on 07/04/09 at 12:53 AM Absolutely superb! I enjoyed the visuals thoroughly, and the honesty made it completely tangible. Wonderful job Ken, I can't wait to read more! |
|