It Was a Hack Job
#4
(07-06-2014, 06:57 AM)Celestina Waters Wrote:  Well, I have to admit I'm a little afraid to comment because I'm not sure if the troll means your an internet troll, but I'll give it a whirl. The first thing I noticed about this is that there is a lot of superfluous information that actually hinders the poem.

The acned boy behind the counter handed me my change -- You could find a more specific word than "boy."
He must have had a good eye -- I don't think this line and the "for" in the next line are necessary.
for he asked if I had surgery on my wrist.
The light scar on my left wrist tingled with recognition, -- Maybe use a different word than wrist to express a similar idea. Also, if you're repeating the same word that may be a sign that you could tighten up the language.
I responded without hesitation that at thirteen I tried to do surgery on myself, -- I'm not sure you need this part, you may be able to say "It was a hack job," I responded.
"It was a hack job."

I sat down outside and looked deeply at my 30 year old handy work
Feeling the downward cord, the faded 42 stitches still translucent visible, -- translucent visible is awkward.

A millipede of morbid memories. -- The jangling alliteration may be hurting you here.

Mom asked where I was digging to with that pen cap,
my soul?
There was no pain
There was no pain
Only in my mind so full of trauma I just wanted to let the horror escape. -- I think the thoughts of the narrator may be impeding your poem.

Why still do I clench this healed fist in anger? -- The syntax is awkward here. Where is the scar? something like I clench/clenched my fist may work better as it is a more tangible action, or something. But, the problem of the scar being on the wrist and not the fist is still there.
I felt like a failure in life
My scar reminds me I failed death
No one knew a thing about mental illness
Just that I had a psychotic break.
I went Hannibal Lectar on my own wrist!!! -- I sort of like the humor, and the sentiment of failing at suicide has been done, but is still somewhat interesting. However, the way it is flatly stated seems to hinder the poem. I'm not trying to deride your writing I'm just trying to enforce the point that the poem may work better if the nouns and verbs speak for themselves.

I run my fingers over the smooth pale worm,
Thirty six stitches dissolved under my skin, holding sinu and tendons together. -- Sinew
"Plastic surgery" for six hours, how posh.
There was no residual remembrance
Just the scar,
faded in time
with the trauma.

I sip my espresso and wonder at time -- Now, this sounds like a broad statement I might make in a poem, but it is quite a general wonder.

How dare I thought someday I would have a beautiful life? -- The grammar is off here.
That I ever deserved joy or friendship was possible.
Shaking my wrist as if making the negativity
disappear, -- Again, the way the words are arranged reads awkwardly.
It itches for a moment. -- The itch is good, you may be able to exploit that.
I look out in the distance at a life well lived
Wanting to thank the coffee guy for this moment of reflection.
Well, I left some comments that may be helpful.
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Messages In This Thread
It Was a Hack Job - by Celestina Waters - 07-06-2014, 06:57 AM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by trueenigma - 07-06-2014, 10:30 AM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by Celestina Waters - 07-06-2014, 11:31 AM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by Brownlie - 07-06-2014, 12:23 PM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by Celestina Waters - 07-06-2014, 12:57 PM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by Brownlie - 07-06-2014, 01:17 PM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by trueenigma - 07-06-2014, 01:33 PM
RE: It Was a Hack Job - by John Galt - 07-06-2014, 05:53 PM



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