Poison

Poison

Although my time was not yet fit,

I boldly took a sip of it.

The taste was not of one to savor,

In truth it was a horrid flavor.

I drank the mix to kill the pain,

Of sorrows past which brought no gain.

Though now I'm having second thoughts,

As I grow faint from inner knots.

I drop the cup that did me in,

For now my head is in a spin.

From this cruel fate that I had chosen,

I lost my life to deadly poison.

Background: "Poison" was written just over a year ago for American Literature class. The piece received an "A", but also got me into a bit of trouble... After turning in the poem for evaluation, my literature teacher interpreted the poem as though I was actually suicidal! A major "oops" on my part. Maybe next time I write a downcast poem on poison drinking, I will remember to write it in third person. Ironically, the teacher held a brief meeting with my parents to ensure that I was not suicidal. My mother of course affirmed to the teacher that the poem was strictly fictional. Although the piece is perfect in meter and rhyme scheme, "Poison" received only an "A" due to the dark/disturbing subject. Once again to clarify, the piece was written as an assignment for literature class with NO predetermined background pretext! If you have been paying attention to any of my previous works, you will clearly see that I have a deep appreciation for life.

Sadness is simply an emotion I enjoy attempting to evoke at times.

Basics: "Poison" details a man who chooses to commit suicide after overwhelming worldly burdens overpower his thoughts. At first, the drinking of poison appears very appealing to the man, but he soon realizes upon drinking the mix, that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The man is filled with regret as his final moments come and go in a flash.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges

Forbidden

Forbidden

We met just last year, through friends of our friends,

But now things have changed, as do such trends.

We have much in common, both artists the same,

We both chase our dreams, and reach for the fame.

No relationship between us can ever be built,

Endless would be the tears and a lifetime of guilt.

Secretly meeting just wouldn't be fair,

Because my heart's taken, by one I do care.

This pretty, young girl, I am very fond,

But careful of my feelings, I can't let them bond.

Mixed emotions running wild,

Feelings farce and not so mild.

Affection from her I shall never gain,

And if she did give it, there'd be nothing but pain.

Our talks together I will never forget,

Though with each passing one, I start to regret,

The attachment that my heart has let form,

I won't let it happen, desires can't reform.

These words of false love shall never be spoken,

For if this were done so, both hearts would be broken.

So us, as just artists, is all we'll remain,

Nothing but this secret, my heart will refrain,

From selfish wishes, these feelings stay hidden,

Along with hopes, desires, and a love that's forbidden.

Background: "Forbidden" was written about three years ago. It started out as an experimental piece with little depth, but after a few weeks, I decided to turn my scribbles into a seven stanza first person piece. You may possibly be thinking, "but Jake, there are only six stanzas!" To which I might respond, "how correct you are, oh insightful reader!" My first draft originally had seven stanzas, but after much deliberation, I decided that the piece was better without the seventh (which was located in the direct center of the poem). As for the concept itself, a few hours of brainstorming and experimenting led me to create "Forbidden." This piece is significant to me because this is where I first tried to make the rhyming exact and fluid. Notice that this is the first piece I have posted with a sufficient rhyme scheme (though lacking in perfect meter).

Basics: "Forbidden" tells a short story of a man with a taxing decision to make. He is currently seeing someone, but has a secret desire for another woman. The man claims that he and this woman both have much in common because of their similar professions. Back and forth the man debates within his mind what he should do/which path he should take. He knows that in confessing his feelings to this woman, he is forfeiting the woman he is currently with because that would render him unfaithful. Regretful, but firm in his final decision, the man decides to keep his inner desires secret, all the while deeming himself selfish. What the man is obviously feeling is not love of the heart, but lust of the flesh. I attempted to make this evident throughout the course of the poem. Though ignorant enough to consider the possibility of committing infidelity, the man's final decision proves him unworthy of a title deeming him completely unfaithful.

Thank you for Reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges