Zelda's inferno exerise: "my brain is devoid of profound phrases"

Posted on: Sun, 10/11/2009 - 21:28 By: Tom Swiss

Zelda's Inferno writing exercise: supported freewrite on a phrase provided by another workshop participant. I was given "my brain is devoid of profound phrases" -- which of course is something of a commentary on the nature of the exercise! -- and kind of entrained on the rhythm of it. As for the content, I'll just say it's non-fictional, a reflection of my thoughts about the next time I talk with someone very special.

there's much I want to say to you:
I wish I had poetic language, but
my brain is void of profound phrases

for weeks I've planned this conversation
I've tried to crystallize my feelings
my hopes and dreams and fears and worries
the way my heart leaps up inside my chest
the moment that you walk into the room

how I would rather spend a night with you
sitting on the couch and holding hands
then attend the revels of the gods

but when I try to speak my tongue is tied
too many thoughts crowd through the heart's portal
I wish I had poetic language, but
my brain is void of profound phrases