Tag: book

In pursuit of the reader

Published on by Maciej Modzelewski2 Comments

Even the smallest gap in the curtains
might find its peeping Tom—so there is always hope
for the closet poet—yet finding readers proves no easy feat
for the wordsmith in disguise, who has learnt the difference
between epistemology and epistolography
but has never managed to navigate
the intricacies of the modern sock drawer
(as he sees the algorithm-driven blogosphere realm).

Perhaps a premature demise is the answer,
although it only works when real,
as we know from Ms. Meachen’s story.
Besides, the fame gained in this way
is of no consequence to the person concerned,
regardless of whether there is life after death or not.
After all, there is no fun in bidding against others
when the only currency you have is the obol.

A watercolour picture showing a sad person sitting on a bed under a tree growing in a bedroom

While I wait

Published on by Maciej Modzelewski1 Comment

If what they say—that nothing is free—is true,
then I have already paid for the antediluvian spelling
that knocked the tome to the floor with the sound
of raindrops on the tree leaves befriending my window.
The plan was to read it aloud, but you’re still afraid
to get on the bus and come here all by yourself,
without an arm to cling to. Perhaps I expected too much.
But I’ll be ready when you are. For now, you could leave
your room, maybe even go to the bus stop, and check
the timetable for Thanatos’ twin.

The age dilemma

Published on by Maciej ModzelewskiLeave a comment

One day I was alone, then you came,
and I was alone again.
I guess I wasn’t that good at inventing dreams,
and my hands tend to get sweaty.

When you were still here, I couldn’t decide
whether I was young or old. Now that you are gone,
I shower only so often; I open a book
but don’t always read it—sometimes I just enjoy
the texture of the paper; and I save my voice,
or perhaps I’m simply too embarrassed to talk
to myself. But at least I can finally laugh
about my age dilemma.

An oil painting showing a man looking thoughtfully at the sea

To stay determined to breathe

Published on by Maciej Modzelewski1 Comment

Who is to judge if I’m wasting my life?
As far as nature is concerned,
I have already fulfilled my sole purpose
by passing on my genes.
Now all that’s left is to sustain my body
to the very end, whenever that may be.
All the rest is fodder that I convinced myself
I needed to stay determined to breathe:
buy a book, read a book, go to the beach,
tell someone you wish you loved them
no more.