August 16, 2004

a poem I read tonight

By Tony Brown

I have come to the decision that I only feel good before I get on stage, while I’m on stage, and in the few minutes of applause after I am done.

All my good feelings dissolve a few moments after that.

Isn’t that known as Janis Joplin syndrome?

THE END OF THE WORLD

The best part of
The end of the world
Was the moment
Just before it happened

When
The ground and horizon that had been clear before us
slipped a bit
and we said
hey,
This is it, this must be it

And it was grand
because
for that one second we knew just what was going to happen
We knew that we could expect things to change
Because change was inevitable and unavoidable
and sex was over but so were war and famine
and we thought all we had to go on
in the few minutes we had left
were tenderness and a refusal to give up –

But then

the shock

to find

the end was instead so
quiet,
low clarinet
instead of tympani,
that
we weren’t sure it had happened
until long after it was over
until the morning we woke up and saw the sky turn bright white

We turned up our faces toward it
And they shone like hubcaps
Rolling away from a wreck
And we couldn’t eat breakfast together and
We didn’t kiss goodbye and we barely
Recognized each other
As we went about our business

And that was the true end of the world

Or at least
of my part of it

About Tony Brown

Unknown's avatar
A poet with a history in slam, lots of publications; my personal poetry and a little bit of daily life and opinions. Read the page called "About..." for the details. View all posts by Tony Brown
This entry was posted on Monday, August 16th, 2004 at 1:20 am and posted in uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

60 responses to “a poem I read tonight”

  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • just_jeff
    August 16th, 2004 at 7:09 am

    love it.

    especially the beginning, and then the little tease before the full meaning of that first quatrain develops. beautifully done.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • asthecrowflies
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:42 am

    this:

    quiet,
    low clarinet
    instead of tympani,

    is such a perfect group of lines.

    :a whole jar of maraschino cherries.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • hot_rod_poet
    August 16th, 2004 at 5:01 am

    I’ll see those sundaes

    and raise you a banana split- great poem.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • dura_luxe
    August 16th, 2004 at 4:51 am

    Wow. I second the hot fudge sundae. I love this.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:19 pm

    Re: huh

    Dude, I’m on low carb right now — but the poem LOVES hot fudge. Thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    the unfinished thought above was, i have hope at this moment and feel like for all i tell you i could give a little back, you know?

    much, much, much love your way.

    and again, thanks.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • freetaco
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    huh

    I like this poem a whole fucking bunch, tony. i want to buy this poem a hot fudge sundae.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:16 pm

    Re: Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    it’s totally worth my time and it’s a beautiful piece and it inspired me, and i also wondered what it would be like to end in appreciation or unity rather than alienation (which is common in the face of a common enemy, at least i hope).

    i know where you travel, you know where i live, at least a little.

    it’s an honor to be a b-roll outtake in your director’s cut.

    thanks for inspiring me and provoking the possibility — it’s a gorgeous piece.

    and you’re brilliant and you gave ME something huge. thank you.

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • radioactiveart
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:02 pm

    Mind???? Are you kidding?????

    I’m honored you’d think it was worth your time, Daph. Thank you.

    I guess I’m not a hopeful guy right now about much of anything, so I think I like your ending better, just out of sheer stubborn clinging to hope.

    T

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply
  • postmaudlin
    August 15th, 2004 at 11:01 pm

    alternate ending taken with much presumption (because your poem is perfect but i want some hope in the face of the apocalypse and i really hope you don’t mind):

    but even though we couldn’t eat
    waiting for the sky to turn black any minute now,
    the power was out, the shockwaves gone, you smiled with lips

    pressed tight and you
    were beautiful

    and i saw you looking at the way i held
    my spoon, pushing the cornflakes up against
    the edge

    and you took my hand and we waited for the windows
    to fall in with your hand
    in mine and the cat jumped in the sun

    to the window ledge and you said
    i always thought someday and i said
    right now.

    Reply

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