I posted this today as part of my
Birthday Greetings to BILL in
Announcements -> BasilicaA Strange Critter a blank stare sonnetToday my Critter glazed as if to say
he simply couldn’t limn a single word.
To show I understood, I’d pat his head,
I thought; he moved away beyond my reach.
Withdrawing hand, I felt a single tear
come coursing down my nose. “Splot” on the floor.
As if he heard, his eyes caught mine again
and purred a bit, I think, then looked away.
I tried again to soothe my 10-month pet,
but every move I made drove him away.
Why does he treat me so? How can we share
my thoughts and insights, dreams. He is my friend!
With him I want to give what I’ve received.
Be patient, fellow poets. Crit’s estranged.
© MLee Dickens'son 2002
P.S. There are three layers in this poem, but the most important is that I was experiencing something similar to writer’s block – except that it’s what those who attempt to critique, experience: Critter’s Block!