I Think Too Much

Posted on 2021-04-25 by Bartholomew Barker

For today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer’s Write Better Poetry blog, write a thought poem. Of course, my first thought (maybe like yours) is, “Aren’t all poems thought poems?” Well, I guess, but I’m thinking of a poem that captures a thought or random ramblings running ’round your cranium. It doesn’t have to be a rambling poem, but that’s one thing. Another possibility is having two people share their thoughts with each other and/or NOT share them. Think about it a moment and then unleash your thought poem.

I Think Too Much

It was a good thing at school
or the office where I’m paid
to sit still and think
for eight hours a day
but it’s a problem
the rest of the time

Does she want to be more than friends?
Why hasn’t she texted me back?
Am I being too clingy?

Like a vaudeville plate spinning act
my thoughts spiral to desperation
I should learn to trust my instincts

I’m a moth and she’s the flame
I just have to accept the singed wings

Just a reminder that I’m one of the featured readers at tomorrow’s Poetry on your Plate show. It starts at 6pm EDT (2200 GMT) on Zoom.

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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11 Responses to I Think Too Much

  1. ivor20's avatar ivor20 says:
    2021-04-25 at 21:11

    I found your poem very relatable, and your finale brought up a wry smile …
    “I’m a moth and she’s the flame
    I just have to accept the singed wings”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2021-04-25 at 22:40

    Not me. I never obsess or worry about an unreturned text….

    HA HA HA!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. harleyxreborn's avatar Harley Reborn says:
    2021-04-26 at 00:21

    Love this. It really does feel like that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld's avatar Lisa Tomey says:
    2021-04-26 at 10:07

    Aah yes…a scorching…time for a fire hydrant or salve…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. julesbikepoems's avatar julesbikepoems says:
    2021-06-27 at 10:23

    I thought a Haiku, then I changed my my my mind, they’re too difficult 🤔

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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