Retrospective Losses edit 1. Input milo.

[milo]

Time cements and paralyses, through due consideration.
Once what was impulse now is thought
and circumstance. Weighed, tested, tried then stamped…
approved. The assay mark says fit for use;
suitably bland, confirmed now good for public health.

Who cares a damn for what is clean or what is safe to swallow?
Once what was novel now but few delights,
or offends the many mild and voiceless;
who nonetheless obstruct us with their faint and feeble fears.
Bandage up your weeping words and walk your way to freedom!

Blisters on my tongue are there because I have a voice.
What then was theory now is hard-edged fact,
so argue if you will; polemics push us to the edge
of new and fearsome heights. Some will fly whilst others
hurtle downwards:martyrs to their sweet, enlightened death.

Offend you? No, unless you think I can; but nor you, me.
Once what was comment now becomes a slight against small souls.
Can we who speak say nothing anymore? What do you want,
you who slyly crave the bow and curtsy of respect?
Is there more of value than the naked truth? You would say, yes.

Wouldn't you?

tectak
2013

Hello there.

I like "Blisters on my tongue are there because I have a voice". THe rest has so much abstraction and not much imagery. Of course I am not a fan of didactic poetry but still:

time, consideration, impulse, thought, circumstance, health, many, theory, fact, polemics, freedom, etc. So many nouns so little to chew on if you know what I mean.

other than that, the "whilst" seems too archaic and the "nor" is if not grammatically incorrect at least awkward enough.

Thanks for sharing.

milo