A Shy Start

Another look at the creative process-why it begins, how it progresses, what's at stake, who's on first, where's this thing headed and when will it stop?????? One question mark for each question.

I have often sat with my notebook on my lap with a desire to write. But then thought, “I have nothing to say.” When this happens I just begin with something as inane as “I spy with my little eye…” I rarely include the first few phrases in the poem but they sometimes do lead me somewhere.

                   A Shy Start

   The desire to write something
              is not uncommon
                but it is a start.
       And starts must be made
  lest they languish near the well
                 of best wishes
            or take a “short nap”
           along the road paved
            with good intentions.

  Instead, grab a pen and go forth.
           Sure it is a little lance,
     barely worth a second glance
            but revolutions have
                 begun therein.

         Even on a windless day 
            the vanes will shiver
             and they will sway,
          anticipation all aquiver.
       See the windmill brighten
        at the prospect of battle.
                   You shall be
               the quixotic one.

            You cannot deny us
   the pleasure of this spectacle,
     the glories of your madness!
            So take up even the
         meanest stub of pencil
   and sharpen it to a fine point.
         Only then can it strike 
        the heart of the matter,
          never glancing away.
            We go, in this way, 
              from a shy start,
            to a beating heart.

                        8/23