Pen-Spilled Emotions
By JC
As my pen spills an emotion I don’t know if I’m physically
Able to verbalize the words that are written on my heart
They are caught because I don’t want to release them
With ill intentions, but knowing the truth sometimes hurts
And knowing what these words may cause, I seek the best way
To say them without causing division or discomfort hoping
You’ll understand at times the right words can’t be found
Or said so I rather show you through my action
If all fails I’m left to let my pen continue to spill my
Emotions that are written on my heart
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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.
This is such a deceptively simple and beautiful poem. Ten lines don’t seem like enough to convey such a powerful sentiment, and yet they are in this poem. I don’t know exactly what words are written on your heart, JC, but through this poem you’ve allowed the reader a small glimpse into your heart, and we can see how kind it is. I hope you find a way to say the words in the way that you want, but even if you don’t, I think that this poem says much more than you realize.
I can really feel the visceral tension and struggle in this poem between emotions written on the heart and what can be made “physical” in the world by writing words on a page. I can feel the space of in-between, where the emotions try to verbalize, but where there are things holding them back from being verbalized too. It’s a powerful and brave space to write from!
JC,
Such a heartfelt and wise poem. You’re letting the readers know that, though you can’t always verbalize your emotions, you’ll continue to try and show yours through your actions and your poems. Keep on writing, you have amazing work!
Hi JC,
This poem is beautifully-written and the strength you have is palpable. You capture the disconnect between action and desire very well– sometimes what we want isn’t considered right and something what is right isn’t what we want. Nevertheless, it is courageous of you to divulge your difficulty verbalizing your feelings. Thank you for sharing!
Dear JC,
This poem is powerful. I connect with the emotion that it is a struggle to put words on a page and verbalize such intense emotion, however you have achieved it here. We are able to see into what you are thinking and I empower you to continue this thought through writing.
Your poem truly speaks to the power of words. For any of us who have ever gone to write something down and couldn’t put it into words, your poem captures the essence of that challenge perfectly. Emotions, actions, feelings, moments… these are all things it’s difficult, *I* think impossible, to describe through writing: but we can try, and I think that’s the beauty of both living and writing. I love this line: “You’ll understand at times the right words can’t be found / Or said so I rather show you through my action,” because I can really identify with it, especially with loved ones. Sometimes it’s not so easy to say how you feel, but you can always always show it through actions. Thank you so much for sharing, what’s written on your heart was communicated in more than just what you wrote.
I am a student in a community service course at Wayne State in Detroit whose goal is to engage with the community beyond the university. When I discovered Free Minds I was immediately thrilled to see the connections build around your writings and heart, and what you have to offer is a powerful and beautiful gift to the community. It was a true privilege getting the opportunity to read what is on your heart and mind, your desires and passions, thoughts, and struggles. You have so much to say, so much wisdom to give, and such deep experiences and desires to share with the community that people from all walks of life, backgrounds, beliefs, and ages can deeply connect with and affiliate with. Keep engaging with the community and making your voice heard. You bring healing, hope, and renewal of mind to many who have the privilege to share in your poetry. Your poem is sad, but in a good and powerful way. You highlight many important truths of life in here such as the fact that words are often meaningless in light of actions. This is so true and you are a testament to that. Thank you for your work, it gives people a lot to think about and challenges us to be people of action and commit to what we say we are going to do.
Really good poem. I can attest that at times it is hard to find the right words to express yourself to a friend or loved one. However, it is sometimes easier to demonstrate your love in action than words.
Hi JC! I really enjoyed reading your poem. It was simple but it was very powerful. I feel that writing is a way to express what your words cannot. It allows you to write, what maybe you never want to say aloud. It is truly a way to express yourself, in ways that nothing else can. It is calming, and it is powerful. Thank you for sharing the words on your heart.