“Broken Rules”


from the ABC set Coffee Spoons.

I am the only wheel
with corners
and the only square
without any –

the chess game won
by ignoring the rules.

I am a graffiti
displayed
by Mona Lisa’s smile.

The rap song
that made Beethoven
an artist.

I am the one
you caught a glimpse of
as I turned the corner

and I am your déjà vu
as I turn another.

I am the small wave
that caught you
off balance –

the raindrop
that found your eye
despite the umbrella.

I am the one
you love to hate
to love –

the one without
the answers,
but making sense
nevertheless.

I am the one
who smashed your fist
with my teeth.

I am the Polish guy
whose surname
doesn’t end with ‘ski’.

I am the elephant
in the room
you fail to notice.

I am the exact length
of a piece of string.

I am all you never wanted
and everything you always had.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

threeleafshamrock | December 6, 2009 - 15:56

You are not a prolific poster Nathan but when you do put something up, it is generally well worth the wait. This is no exception. I love the paradoxical element that makes it thought provoking (in other words; it makes you think and makes it impossible to anticipate, what comes next).
It is, as usual, very clever and very enjoyable - love the raindrop part; who has that NOT happened to lol.
Well thought out and the title is just about perfect (if not essential).
Well done and thanks for posting - wish you posted more often.

Chris ;)

Beeme | December 6, 2009 - 16:12

'I am the Polish guy
whose surname
doesn’t end with ‘ski’.'
I love this verse, Nathan, it made me laugh :)

I love all of the poem because with your work I can always feel how well crafted and beautifully cared for every word is, and it makes me, as a reader, feel special and privileged to be reading it. Like I have discovered a gem.. the last lines are perfect and stanza nine is so gorgeous. I would also love to see you posting more often.

Beeme xx

Ewan | December 6, 2009 - 16:28

I think you want the singular 'graffito', Nathan.

Good poem.

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2009 - 20:00

Ewan, thank you and yes, you're right about this word, but I found a dictionary definition of the word and the reason why I'd rather not use it:

'The word graffiti is a plural noun in Italian. In English graffiti is far more common than the singular form graffito and is mainly used as a singular noun in much the same way data is. When the reference is to a particular inscription (as in There was a bold graffiti on the wall), the form graffito would be etymologically correct but might strike some readers as pedantic outside an archaeological context.'

Thank you for your suggestion though. Don't feel that I don't appreciate your comment, because I do very much, coming from a respected author on this website ;-)

Cheers!

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2009 - 20:10

Chris, thank you. You have no idea how much your comment means to me, especially as YOU'RE the master of humour poetry ;-) so I'm really glad you like this one.

I too would like to write and post my work more often, but this world doesn't always allow it. However, I always try to maintain a healthy attitude towards my work. I do it as often as I can, but creative writing is NOT the focus or passion of my life, even though it's very important to me. There are so many other things I do every day that bring joy both to myself and others... I hope ;-p so writing is something I do from time to time to reminisce over the things that mean a lot more to me ;-) I hope you can understand.

Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it.

Nathan.

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2009 - 20:14

Beeme, you made my day ;-D

This may sound very cliché, but I always try my best to make a reader 'hear' me and what it is I'm trying to say or ‘feel’ the effect I'm trying to create. Your comment told me that I managed to achieve that in this poem on some level and that makes me very happy. Thank you.

Love, Nathan xox

Silver Spun Sand | December 6, 2009 - 21:48

This is inspired, Nathan.

No, you are not a prolific writer, but what you do write, is measured and carefully thought out, as is apparent here. Quality, not quantity, the name of the game.

My favourite stanza is certainly the one that Beeme highlights and as a whole, it is surely one of my favourites.

Tina xox

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2009 - 21:54

Thank you Tina. I'm really glad you like this one and I agree with what you said that it's about quality, not quantity ;-)

Thank you for helping me to get this one right.

When I wrote this poem I wasn't sure whether I want to post it, but I think my relationship with it strengthened and my confidence in it grew as I 'got to know it', if you know what I mean ;-)

Thanks again.

Nathan x

Curse of 222 | December 6, 2009 - 22:43

there are a hundred things here to like and i like them all. this is an excellent piece that engages and entertains the reader.
add me to the list of readers who think it is worth the wait in between your posts.

jason

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2009 - 22:47

Thank you so much Jason. I grow in confidence as a writer and as a person every time I receive a comment like yours. It means a lot me that my fellow writers would wait for my posts and think it's worth it and this encourages me to always try to produce my best writing. Again, thank you.

Nathan.

Ewan | December 7, 2009 - 08:19

Well, Nathan, it's just another example of the evolution of language.

The data is correct: this is common usage now, but would you dispute that the data still remains a plural idea? A datum is one piece of data and the opportunity (or necessity) of ever needing to use that has led to a change in English, which I for one accept as logical. This means that Data has become some kind of uncountable noun, ironic considering its meaning.

In the same way, I think graffiti has changed, graffiti as a concept or kind of art is a singular, uncountable noun. Myself, I would use graffito for a single piece of graffiti. It's probably a generation thing. Did you use Fowler or a dictionary for your quote above?

Have you been particularly busy? It's good to see you back.

Nathan Bednarek | December 7, 2009 - 09:55

Yes, it is probably a generation thing. Here's a link where I got the quote:

http://www.answers.com/topic/graffito

I've been very busy and still am actually. I'm looking for work, but that is extremely difficult nowadays, even more so for people like me who have no experience in the 'working world' ;-/

Hopefully I'll find something soon.

Again, thanks for the comment.

Nathan.

Silver Spun Sand | December 8, 2009 - 18:27

Just popped by to say 'many congratulations' on a more than deserved cherry, Nathan and I trust you have had a fruitful day today, in other, non-poetic areas.

Tina:-)xx

Nathan Bednarek | December 8, 2009 - 18:38

Thank you so much Tina. I'm also really glad the IP challenge inspired you to write more amazing poetry ;-)

You know what freaked me out? I actually did have an incredibly 'fruitful day today, in other, non-poetic areas.' Are you spying on me or something??? ;-p

I was out job hunting today and I was invited for two immediate interviews and one more tomorrow morning. My CV was going out like fresh rolls too. Weird how things went today ;-)

Again, thanks for your comment.

Nathan xox

Silver Spun Sand | December 8, 2009 - 19:40

Nathan...I am so thrilled, really, really, really;-)
I wasn't spying on you, honestly...but I do have a kind of a 'sixth sense' or so they say.

All the luck in the world, Nathan and never forget when you go for any interview, you are interviewing them, as well as the other way round. Positive thoughts coming your way ... now ........

Tina xox

Yazmin | December 8, 2009 - 20:28

This brought a smile to my face :)
I am the one
you love to hate
to love –
Another great poem
Well Done

Yaz x

Nathan Bednarek | December 8, 2009 - 22:04

Cheers! I haven't heard from you for a while, so I'm really glad you're back. Thank you for the lovely comment.

Nathan x

MistakenMagic | December 9, 2009 - 09:18

Hello Nathan! Sorry we haven't spoken recently - but I've been away in Oxford for my interviews and just got back last night!

I think you know I love this poem - it all flows so well! I'm so happy that you got a cherry and that you're getting yourself back in the 'poetry game':P

Magic xxx

Nathan Bednarek | December 9, 2009 - 13:24

Cheers Magic. I appreciate it.

How did it go at Oxford then?

xox

MistakenMagic | December 9, 2009 - 19:23

I'm very pleased with my visit :) I had three interviews in total and it was a fantastic experience, and one that I will treasure no matter the outcome!

Magic xxx

Nathan Bednarek | December 9, 2009 - 19:27

I'm really happy for you :-x

Cavalcaderl | December 14, 2009 - 14:15

new Nathan Bednarek
well done on the well earn't cherry1
Very clever indeed. Yes, I believe like you, up out and meet or see the scenes of the world.I get nothing done! I on here to long, not poet, or write.
Yes, I am a bit psychic to.Love to see more of your brillant work. and good luck in search for interview's.Hope to see more of your great work on here, as a writer and poem's
3rd time I have pushed wrong button!
and lost comment to you?
getting cold, hot tea!
cavalcader x julie (:-

Nathan Bednarek | December 14, 2009 - 14:33

Thank you for your lovely comment Julie. I always loved your work, so I'm really glad you like my work too.

The job search is getting better. More and more people are responding, so hopefully I will have something more stable soon.

Cheers!

Nathan xox

Cavalcaderl | December 14, 2009 - 16:24

new Nathan Bednarek
Good,Ill pray, but don't be like
my friend of many year's flat hunts
dozen's. after so long looses it, cos
won't take one well he's getting on maybe doen't want to move.
just wait half a dozen, and strike while the iron is hot! expression.
julie xx

littleditty | December 27, 2009 - 13:39

HI Nathan -this takes one on a journey with each little stanza - it has been said but it is the care you take, i can see that too - well done. It is nice to read your comments page too! (Good things are coming your way -you could check with Tina's 6th sense, but i'm never wrong!!) Happy Holidays Nathan xx

Nathan Bednarek | December 27, 2009 - 14:20

Thank you so much ld ;-) I really appreciate your comments ;-) they always put a big smile on my face. Cheers ;-D

Nathan.

Amanda-Moo | July 24, 2010 - 16:54

This poem is wonderful.
:)

Nathan Bednarek | August 4, 2010 - 13:58

Thanks!