not an unsalvageable wreck
where claws scrabble silent and blind
learning should fit as cosy
as a favourite pair of old shoes
that think nothing of walking on water
a bobbing cork
sensitive to nibble and chance
dipping to where things are
delightfully accidental on streets
where grass leaves spontaneous paint on feet
and conversation with a chance-upon in a bar
flows instinctively true
those more than knowing
where the nearest internet café is
in a strange town and safe accommodation
well away from the poorest quarter
too far in cold directions wintering in books
i’m guilty of failing my passions
(though passions are where i play)
and could wish i’d been dropped on my head
as a child or had someone clobber me
from a height with the King James Bible
or more definitive yet an entire set
of Encyclopaedia Britannica
if time’s kind
i’ll coast to comic in-between
be a tongue in cheek dreammaker
and iconoclast like the braying WC Fields
juggling a blade and hacking a way
through fantastic walls of hostile flesh
dragging my literary canoe behind
johnpoetflanagan 
My favorite lines:
a bobbing cork
sensitive to nibble and chance
dipping to where things are
Bruce
Thank You very much
Best to You
john
If we were to live our lives our we, being ourselves, would, I think, live exactly the same lives: otherwise we wouldn’t be us. A thoughtful and reflective poem, John.
Chris
An excellent response, really excellent
Thank You
Ever
john
Feeling we’ve failed our passions is, I suppose, the thread that weaves artists to a single fabric. Love that line. And, that last stanza is to die for.
A beautiful response
Dear Gina
Thank You
Always with Love
john
Reblogged this on chithankalai.
Thank You very much
for this kindness
Always
john
My favorite passage Uncle John is, “delightfully accidental on streets
where grass leaves spontaneous paint on feet.” The artist in me imagines the scene with a colorful note!! All my best, have a wonderful weekend.
Miss Mary
Thank you very much for this fine response.
Big Hugs
uncle john
‘well away from the poorest quarter’ – everything is. If you’re poor, it just keeps getting worse.
Thank You
Alicia
Best to You
john
The passion within the artistic persona is a romantic desire, a unique desire to learn, share, teach. It is possibly the most humane and principled of human characteristics. The only negative is being easily disappointed when we feel we have not excelled in that duty driven desire. An Introspective peek into a talented and compassionate artist John my friend. Remain exactly as you are, very special and appreciated by all you touch. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
Superb comment
Jon, My Friend
reaching the heart of the matter
Thank You
Ever Your Friend
john
I adore this poem, it simply floats. And the idea of wintering in books is perfect. I can relate. Your style is wonderful, john
Diane
Thank You
for these exceptionally generous compliments;
i’m truly honoured.
Much love
john
Bravo. With each word, every line, you have captured the essence that hides within us all.
blessings ~ maxi
Thank You
Dear Maxi
So generous and supportive
Much love
john
“i’m guilty of failing my passions” – oh, this line hit me hard
Susan
Thank You
and very happy to see you here;
hope you’re doing well
Best to You
john
You’ve sent my mind a thinking, jf. Thank you
Thank You
Dear Audrey
so much for your fine support of my work
Always
jf
You’re not dragging your literary canoe, you’re propelling it. And I, too, like
a bobbing cork
sensitive to nibble and chance
dipping to where things are
That is so generous
Noelle
so so generous and encouraging
Big hugs
john
TIC is my favorite canoe…love this!
huge hugs.
Thank you, Dear Holly
Big hugs
john
So many layers. You have it all dear John, so learned yet you have the ‘common touch’. You carry your great erudition lightly. You strike that balance without ‘dragging my literary canoe behind’. It slips alongside and ‘flows instinctively true’. I wish I could be as ‘sensitive to nibble and chance
dipping to where things are’, as you do.
You are so kind
Dear Angela
kind beyond words.
Ever
john
Ah that’s pretty much a story of my inner life 😉
Best wishes!
‘Dreammaker’ indeed John. You forever plant seeds of timeless expression.
“delightfully accidental on streets
where grass leaves spontaneous paint on feet
and conversation with a chance-upon in a bar
flows instinctively true…” …no airs would we speak
So utterly divine.
Warmest regards.