From a Stone

I have small veins
that have been drawn
in sinks of scalding water
and vigorous smacking.
Stopped at the upper arm
and with a pumping fist,
the supply is best tapped by the finest needle.

It is sometimes easier
to siphon off blood on Tuesdays
for doctors’ records
than write poems twice a week.
—

For over three decades I have had my blood taken for medical records, which have been used as teaching material by the hospitals in which I have been treated. Results tallied from my blood, a product of my body, have made a contribution to the world. It is my hope that my writing may do so, too.

My body produces and pumps blood. Surely this same physical entity should be able to produce words? One of my current projects is to write two poems a week. Over a year, this should total 104 new pieces. I sit down daily and write many lines. Sometimes the ideas and deft formations flow with ease. On other occasions, it takes some needling.

—

Preview my first volume of published poems, SHINING IN BRIGHTNESS.

Follow my tweets about the creative life and my running commentary on the audio-book of ‘Anna Karenina.’ I’m @BeadedQuill