I’ve always enjoyed the works of Ernest Hemingway. His sparse writing style was a big influence on me. While he seemed like an over-the-top personality, he was also deeply troubled. He battled mental illness his entire life, which probably led to many of his risky adventures, his self-medicating with alcohol, and ultimately, to his suicide.
I was on a Hemingway bender a while back, reading all of his short stories and a few of his novels. Afterwards, feeling a connection with him, I wrote the following poem.
Ketchum, Idaho
Papa said goodbye there,
in the hallway, near the front door.
His body prone on the floor like a discarded book,
the pages now worn and torn. The words
splattered against the wall with all the viscosity of gray matter.
He probably felt like a book of empty pages,
basically useless.
The words were no longer there, either
deadened by pills,
or drown in alcohol,
or burned out by the electro shock.
So instead of dwelling on once was, he decided to bring
the story to a close
on a fine summer day, on the outskirts of Ketchum.
And standing in that doorway, if only in a dream, I can hear
a church bell ringing in the distance.
It was a sad end to a marvelous writing career, but his works will live on for many years to come.
Is there a writer who has inspired you? Who you try to emulate?
RB
Real good poem.
I don’t try to emulate anybody. But, my pieces on “Yeah, Another Blogger” have become more concise over the last few years.
I appreciate it, mate.
Yeah, I think you have a unique writing voice. I’ll have to go back and read some of your earlier stuff to compare it to the newer. Thanks for commenting!
My comment appears to have gotten lost!
It showed up! Probably running a little slow today. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know, Richard
Yes, I like your poem too and I’m sure Hemingway would’ve approved too. I’m not trying to emulate anyone.
Thank you, Sheree. That’s kind of you to say…I would be thrilled if he could read it.
Love your poem, Richard. Not sure who I would emulate.
Thank you, Pat.
Your verse feels very modern, but I can tell you’ve been influenced by some of the early 20th century poets. Of course, being a librarian, I’m sure you’ve read them all. 🙂