Wounded Bluntness
by Michael Doyle

It seems cliché, by revealing,
When we talk about our covert feelings,
That even writers aren't sure what's good.
It's well enough hoping to be understood.

The personal is what others find compelling.
Otherwise, just what is it that you're revealing?
That is, other than speculations based on the glory,
Found in stealing the thunder of another's story.

After all, there are only so many notes to sing.
It's the skill in arrangement that makes a ring.
We are all stuck in our well-cultivated prisons,
And it's hard to see beyond the deconstructed prisms.

There are so many books left to sit on and then write.
But then again, maybe it is that you shouldn't.
Not that I wish to come across as uptight -
But why say those things that normally you couldn't...

Like a stinging bee flying into a gossip's mouth,
Or telling the redundancy of birds flying due south.
If there's nothing deep or words worth their say,
Maybe a void of silence is the best way to truly stay?

I ask myself the unvoiced but endless question.
The one that brings about my golden hesitation.
Are my thoughts, mine to be kept isolated and alone?
Or maybe worthy of being carved into unbreakable stone?

Is what I feel thought-provoking or simply indigestion?
The contemplations had slipped into mindless oblivion.
Or were these only indiscretions, as the case may be?
I scribble on, but is it just out of the boldest vanity?

Every practiced event plays out its own false imagery,
The words written are okay, but will they ever be legendary?
I didn't mean to seem overly and openly contrary,
But as October comes, I look like Stephen King at a cemetery.

Autumn leaves are always looked forward to as expected.
But the elements of surprise shouldn't be neglected.
Jaded lovers cling to memories of how lucky they are,
While at least one of them is wishing on a shining star.

It's all about the jagged edges of our wounded bluntness.
So many stumble at not-so-funny business.
It's hard to look lovely and amazing while walking,
But that September has left everyone talking.

(c) September 30, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved