Everyman by Lesley Prentis

A poem that came from a free-write 15 min. writing prompt at the Grind Writers Group – writing to a painting in an exhibit at the gallery. Below the freewrite version is a version that has been further revised, for comparison purposes. 

The paintings are on display until the end of June. We invite you to write to one of the paintings and send it to grindwriters@gmail.com for posting here.


Everyman 
first version June 11, 2011

Everyman stares out

Of  black eyes, focused inwards

Looking inwards (outwards)

Staring out of sunken sockets in his

Weathered face,

Naked form gathered in on his self

Oblivious to the audience

Of stunned discomfort

Embracing the sight

Of he lost in (his) life’s storm

They sheltered in their clothes

And small minds

Shunned by others

Who turn their backs

Viewed with scorn

By narrow minded pouting lips

Everyman stares out of black eyes

Unfocused eyes, looking inward eyes

Scared eyes, angry eyes.

Staring out at an angry world

Bewildered to be at the centre of the storm

Unable to weather the daily comings and goings

Finally left exposed to the world,

Naked, body drawn in on itself

Inside he hears acceptance

Raison d’etre

I understand whence you come from my son

I know your pain

I know the worth of you

More and less than you think

More and less than others say

Walk the line

Do not dally or they will pull you down

Creativity lost and found


_____________________

(c)2011 Lesley Prentis

Everyman

June 16, 2011 (initial re-working)

Everyman stares

Out from black eyes focused inward

Looking inward? (Outwards)

Stares from the sunken sockets

Of his weathered face

His naked form gathered in on himself

Oblivious to his audience

Of stunned discomfort who

Embrace the sight

Of HE lost in (his) life’s storm

They sheltered in their clothes

And their small minds

Whilst he shunned by others

Who viewed with scorn

And narrow minded pouting lips

Who turn their backs

On his unspoken needs.

Everyman stares

Out from black eyes, looking inward eyes

Scared eyes, angry eyes

Stares out at an angry world

Suddenly aware, bewildered

To be the centre of the storm

Unable to weather the daily comings and goings

Finally left exposed to the world

Naked, body drawn in on himself

Everyman stares

Out from black eyes focused inward

Inside he hears acceptance

Raison d’etre

The words

I know whence you come from my son

I know your pain

I know the worth of you

More and less than you think

More and less than others say

Walk the line

Carefully

Do not step on the cracks

Do not dally, do not pay heed

Creativity lost and found.


.