Poemblot (as in inkblot) is a regular feature where a general reader (i.e. someone who does not have an educational or professional background in writing or literature) is shown a poem and asked to offer an immediate impression. The reader reads the poem no more than twice and is not given any instruction on how to read it or information about the author. One of the purposes of Poemblot is to explore the different perceptions and assumptions readers bring to a text. The readers' full names will not be shared to protect them from rampaging, ego-bruised poets on social media. Instead we'll offer some basic background information and a representational photo provided by each reader as a framework for who they are.

The Reader

M.Zinger 

Age: 40s

Occupation: Internet Industry

Favorite Movie: Hocus Pocus

Favorite Song: “Fever”

 

 

 

 

The Poem

 

A Cradle in a Cold Room

BY G. M. PALMER

We are dying too;

our breath betrays us though:

this room is cold like you.

 

Your sisters cradle you;

their tears and questions flow:

“are we dying, too?”

 

I run my fingers through

your hair that cannot grow.

This room is cold like you.

 

How can I honor you

when every moment shows

that we are dying, too?

 

If none of this were true—

a lie I can’t compose

in this room cold like you.

 

We hold each other through

what we don’t want to know:

this room is cold like you

and we are dying, too.

 

M.Zinger’s Immediate Impressions

1. What strikes you most about this poem? Does reading it bring up any thoughts, emotions or sensations?  

Deep sadness for the loss people feel for those moved on and for the internal death they have yet to heal.

2. What do you like most about this poem?

It’s very clear what it’s conveying. Many people will relate to this.

3. What do you like least about this poem?

Just that it made me a little sad

4. Before reading any poem, do you come to it with certain expectations? If so, does this particular poem meet those expectations? Does your expectations affect your opinion of this poem?

No expectations. But it did surprise me how much I liked it.

5. Does this poem make you want to read more poems?

Yes