Alphabets: Epsilon

By Thomas Page

1:

Decide an idea for a poem.

This usually happens when you’re the least able to write it down.

2:

Consider the consequences of trying to commit an idea good enough for a poem onto paper.

3:

Throw it away with the same enthusiasm as an empty bag of cheese puffs.

4:

Take it out of the trash and try to write the first line.

Realize that you do not write as well as you thought.

5:

Trash it again

With gusto this time.

 

6:

Take it out of the trash, yet again, with realized purpose.

Look at it like you’re a 49er with Californian gold

Try writing the second line.

7:

Read it over to yourself.

Decide that Shakespeare or Whitman will appear from the ether to take your pen away

And outcast you a St. Elba ending a line with “the.”

8:

Throw your entire notebook or computer onto a soft surface like a sofa.

Cover yourself with a blanket and look at your phone for 45 minutes.

9:

Pick up your draft and decide that it doesn’t matter you end at least two lines with “the.”

10:

Write a third line. Look at it with less disgust as you did lines one and two.

11:

Repeat steps 1-10.

12:

Give your poem a cute little name that only is funny to you.