On the cusp of the last week of 28 Days of Unreason, we have one of Harrison’s most unusual lines and yet, as poets, we know what he is talking about. My response poem is something of a Diamante (diamond shape poem) but the form normally focuses on the number of words per line; mine counts syllables. If you find inspiration in any of the lines from Songs of Unreason in these challenges, please drop me a line and let me know; I would love to read your excellent work!
“Like many poets I’m part blackbird and part red squirrel and my brain chatters, shrieks, and whistles.” ~ Jim Harrison
WITHIN
Howl
my mind
go ahead
skitter out loud
wail in the night hours
banshee witch you may be
evil bird who rattles me
divine messenger are you
gather green nuts for me
drop them at my feet
bid me eat them
gorge my spine
still I
write
© Jilly’s All Rights Reserved
Jilly's 
This is beautiful. Jim Harrison is so true. Our mind whispers in the background sometimes, shouts and scream at us sometimes. Your poem especially captured the essence of it, I loved it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahooo! Love the sounds in this. It’s wild…primal? As in writing is who we are and what we do. Fun form, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love “skitter out loud”, and “gorge my spine” is amazing. The layout of the poem expanding into the howl and then tightening down so you can write is a subtle but strong effect. In the end, you harness and focus. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLike
“Gorge my spine” awesome! I love the flow of this one.
LikeLike
I enjoyed this poem, and yes, I know what he is talking about!
LikeLike
This poem is not really about the quote but was inspired by it. Thanks for the idea!
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2017/08/06/i-am-part-blackbird/
LikeLiked by 1 person
The quotes are only inspiration and if they take us far afield – yay poetry!
LikeLike
I wish I had something of the blackbird in me 🙂 Your poem makes me think of Celtic imagery. The green nuts at your feet, the howling in the night. Just this side of crazy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! My street address is #19 Justthisside of crazy Street.
LikeLike
I might end up at #17 one of these days 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again for the inspiration 🙂
https://janedougherty.wordpress.com/2017/08/06/treasures/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shine on…! “divine messenger” makes me think you’re ravin’! Great poem, Jilly! This prompt calls on us to pull out the stops (or the stoppers). You have done it justice with a poem that can stand on it’s own feet — even without the prop… er, prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! (I think – rereading..) Yeah, thanks, Charley! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha!
LikeLike
Back to school this week. Will be back to read this afternoon!
LikeLike
. Thanks again for the inspiration 🙂
<a href="https://janedougherty.
LikeLike