Rejection Letter Mambo

Got another rejection letter today. And, truthfully, I love every single one of them. I love them because I've been able to see how they've evolved over the past couple of years. From the generic "Dear Writer," to "Dear Mr. Torres." And how they are getting more personalized. They work their vernacular to elaborate on why they can't squeeze me into their next issue; but, most of the time, it's the "good, but not quite good enough" approach. That's the approach that I'm getting used to. It keeps the fire burning. It keeps me moving forward. I've kept all the rejection letters I've ever received. One day I'll be able to wallpaper my entire apartment.

Writing poetry, or anything for that matter, has always been a silly thing to me. But, it is also necessary. So necessary that I can't figure out how those who do not create, or at least enjoy art, are able to wade through their lives without questioning things, or at the very least, enjoying something they love (if they can love) with all of their senses.
___________________________________________

Raspberry

I couldn’t sleep last night

So I stared at the Sun’s face

As it smiled at me from the tapestry

That hangs over our bedroom window.

To think,

Hours ago,

You were in awe

And ecstasy.

Your cheeks flushed

And as you tossed your hair back

And outlined your collar bone with your finger tips.

You told me

That I made you feel

Like a bowl

Of  raspberries.

Then our laughter filled the darkened apartment.

You make me feel

Like something I have always strived to be

Even when I feel like I’m losing.

I want to be

Like Leonard Cohen,

Famous by 33

And turn to music

Because I could.

You teach me that

Life could be more

Than sonnets

And odes

And epitaphs

Written

For the innocent

Or the damned.

It could mean writing

A happier poem

For things to come.

I know how much you like these.

____________________________________________

I'm always up for sharing what I've written. This particular poem was rejected 11 times before it was picked up by "Chapter and Verse," which is published by Geoff Evans in Southern France. Evans is a cool old guy. He came to the states and dropped in at the Arts Center in New Hope for one of our Beat Poetry Nights (2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.).

"Learn to love life so much that it pisses you off."

 Cheers,

~Torres