I had been watching a total stranger drinking a milk shake, all the while thinking and shaking his head. He got up with a jerky movement as if he saw someone and left just as quickly. Inspired by the whole episode, I wrote this Pantoum. Another form of structured poetry. It has not come out very well but what the hell! I am still posting it here. Feel free to to critique it.
Double Vision
coolly drinking his spiked milk shake
he contemplates at nothing specific
swirling his glass, he does a double take
wiping his eyes, deeming it as a trick
he contemplates at nothing specific
biting his nails, scratching his head
wiping his eyes, deeming it as a trick
few of his doubts needing to be shed
biting his nails, scratching his head
he talks aloud to no one particular
few of his doubts needing to be shed
holding his glass, he asks for a regular
he talks aloud to no one particular
hearing himself talk like a moron
holding his glass, he asks for a regular
tastes it again, bitter feelings gone
hearing himself talk like a moron
checks himself & before he gets up
tastes it again, bitter feelings gone
asks for a cigar, takes in a long puff
checks himself & before he gets up
coolly drinking his spiked milk shake
asks for a cigar, takes in a long puff
swirling his glass, he does a double take?
Hope all is well with you..I enjoyed the image that you created in here
ReplyDeleteUr quite observant Gautami. This was a very graphic post.
ReplyDeleteKeshi.
Hi Gautami, I think this pantoum is really good -- I can't think of anything that really needs to be changed. It creates a clear picture and feeling, and I really like the line "few of his doubts needing to be shed."
ReplyDeletereally interesting---
ReplyDeleteLOL. I love this. I can picture the entire scene thanks to your keen sight and rapier wit. :)
ReplyDeleteRose
xo
This was a wonderful pantoum. I think I tried one over the weekend and it did not turn out well. You are so good at creating imagery and keeping with the structure of a poem the way it was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteAll that from a milkshake?? I think it was spiked!!
ReplyDeleteI guess you were really attracted to this guy then...
ReplyDeletei really love this one, gautami!
ReplyDeleteI think your a bit harsh on yourself. I found it a fun read if nothing else. The form did seem to be fitting of the subjusct matter.
ReplyDeleteyou nicely caught his movements and action, good job Gautami
ReplyDeleteinteresting form
ReplyDeletelike the narrative too
you could expand it into a fine short story
cheers
ah..twisty and nice!!!!
ReplyDeletestressed out urban dweller!!! beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDear friends, thanks for your comments. I will write more pantoums.
ReplyDeleteThat way you can come and critique those too..:D
floots, I will consider writing short stories on all my observations.
Two contemplatives - the observer and the observed!?:)A good read.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful poem. You are an observer
ReplyDeleteof life.
I think for your comments my dear friend. And forgive my typo.
love-bd
Very intriguing piece Gautami -- very interesting and enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteI have never attempted a poem of this circular structure. You have inspired me. :)
Gautami, I enjoyed this. You should definitely write some short stories based on 'people watching'. I say this from one 'person watcher' to another. :)
ReplyDeleteThe structure is fascinating, as it has been in all your recent poems.
You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteGautami, I love how your muses are so varied and can turn up anywhere...I enjoyed this poem!
ReplyDelete