I’ve been sitting here all day, staring at the clock
I’m trying to write a poem, but I’ve got writer’s block
I’ve got several partly written, but none of them seem right
As I’m looking at this naked page where everything is white
I’m getting so frustrated; oh, come on, get on with it
I’m stuck on what to write, and time’s getting on a bit
Get your brain in gear, dear; don’t sit there in a huff
I know you’re getting bored, and you’ve really had enough
I could try again tomorrow, but I want to write today
There’s a lot on my mind, and so much I want to say
I’m refusing to give in and will not give up the fight
If I have to sit here crying all the way through the night
It’s coming up to dinner time; I’ve not got anywhere
I think I’ve lost the knack; at least, that’s what I fear
I could watch the telly, but the signal is on the blink
So, I sit here, mind vacant, and I don’t know what to think
I’m at the point of giving up, but I’ll know I’ll be so cross
If only I could say that I don’t give a blooming toss.
But, no, I simply can’t, as I was hell-bent on achieving
Now, I’ve lost all my words, and I sit here sadly, grieving.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Essentially Ellie 
love your poem and persistence Ellie! 👏💗
Thank you very much, Cindy. That means a lot coming from a writer of your standard and abilities. I appreciate your encouragement and comment. Xx 💓😘
You haven’t lost “the knack” as this poem proves! Definitely relatable. Thanks for the lesson on persistence.
Thank you, Brian. I was really stuck on something to write about and I was racking my brains, so thought, why don’t I write about not being able to write and it just sort of happened. I’m glad you could relate, although I know how frustrating it is to be stuck like that. Thanks again.
It will come. It’s so hard though when you’re in the moment!
Wonderful poem, Ellie. Great rhythm and message. Love it.💕
Thank you so much, Grace. I appreciate your kind words very much. Xx 💖
My pleasure , Ellie.💕
G8ie yourself some slack, Ellie. There us always another tomorrow. 💬🗨💬🗨💬
Thanks, J. There is, indeed. I was just in a very determined frame of mind this afternoon. Writing makes me happy (unless it’s something sad or painful, of course). Hope you’re well. X 💜💛💜
As well as can be. Thank you. You actually did quite well writing about not being able to write, making rhymes when you were not feeling rhymic.
“Pen poised over paper,
The poet hesitates their hand
In wonder at the wisdom
Of the poem they did not plan”
Thank you, J. I love your poem. It’s perfect. X 💓💕
That’s actually just the last verse, but thank you. I was doing the same thing that day that you were today, struggling to write something meaningful. But I did change the pronouns, as when I wrote that everyone was a “he”.
Hmm. You say you’ve got nothing but then you knock out a nice poem. It’s hard to write about writer’s block. Last time I did a friend gave me grief about it. But I’ve learned in the past, when you’re really blocked, it’s sometimes best just to write about that.
Thanks for your comment, Jeff. That’s exactly what I decided to do. I was really stuck, so it seemed to make sense to try to find the words to express my frustration, although I could have worded the poem a bit more strongly! 😊
We’ve all had a moment when our fears get the best of us. We sit stare at the blank canvas or page and wonder “have I exhausted all my ideas? Is there where it ends?” It takes real perseverance and determination to say “never!” and keep at it. Great job!
Thanks, Bridgette. Yes, I felt like that at the time and then, I thought about just writing about the thing I didn’t think I could write (if that makes any sense). I am a very determined person, although I don’t very often give myself credit for that, although other people have pointed this out to me. Xx 🌷💞
There’s something rather pleasing about being able to write about not being able to write, as though you’re breaking some sort of unwritten rule.
Yes, you’re right, Mick. It’s a strange feeling. It was a relief to be able to write something in the end.
I think writer’s block affects us all. It’s interesting, though, when you look back later at what you wrote during that period. It is often as good as what you wrote when you didn’t have writer’s block!!!
Thank you, Ann. It is very strange and rather interesting when I look at it like that. Hope you are well. Xx 💕
Your poem proves that writer’s block can be an ally as well as an enemy, Ellie. A very enjoyable piece of poetry. There must be something in the air about this subject. Do you mind if link to this poem on my next blog post, which is also about writer’s block?
Thank you, Davy, for your comment. I would be very happy for you to link my poem with your next post. I hope you’re managing to fight your way through writer’s block, too. I’ll look forward to reading your post when you publish it.. Thanks again.
Reblogged this on Mitch Teemley and commented:
My Featured Blogger this week is Ellie Thompson. Ellie shares her home in England with a cat named Peanut and a “sometimes demented electric wheelchair” named Brian. Her “poetry, musings, and memoirs–true tales of my life” are nothing if not relatable. This is probably because somewhere along the line she switched her focus from opinions and abstractions to something she cared more about, everyday life. A life that is eminently and delightfully relatable.
Oh, wow! Thank you so much, Mitch. What an honour and a surprise. It is so kind of you to name me as blogger of the week – I am so moved. That’s never happened to me before, and I feel very humble and grateful. What else can I say, but thank you very much.
I read your sad piece about your friend, Craig, yesterday and wanted to read it again before leaving you an appropriate and sensitive comment. I will do that as soon as I can. It was such a tragic true-life tale. Thank you again, Mitch. Have a lovely evening/morning/day 😊.
The honor is mine, Ellie!
A wonderful poem about a truly frustrating topic. Well done, Ellie. And congratulations on being the Featured Blogger of the Week over at Mitch Teemley’s The Power of Story blog! 🙂
Thank you so much, Mike. It’s kind of you to drop in to see me here. Thanks for the congratulations – I didn’t realise I was the blogger of the week – what a lovely surprise. I will go over to Mitch’s blog to see and to say a heartfelt thank you to him. I’m really moved. Many thanks, again 😊.
Ellie, I stopped by courtesy of Mitch as well, and glad I did. Wonderful poem. Put a smile on my face as I have had those moments as well…but certainly have never expressed them as eloquently as you have here.
Thank you so much for dropping in, Bruce. That’s very kind of you and I very much appreciate your comment. I’ve been out this evening, but will drop by at your blog to see you tomorrow.
I love the ‘tongue in cheeky-ness’ of this little not-a-poem of yours, Ellie.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked my poem. I appreciate your visit and kind words. Hope to see you again.
Say what you will about all the different styles of poetry, but I still prefer rhyming poetry with a sing-song cadence like Writer’s Block. Your topic is so-o-o relatable and very cleverly written. A fun read!
Thank you so much for your very kind words, Nancy. I appreciate your visit today. I have written a fair bit of prose in the past, but like you, I prefer rhyming poetry with a rhythm or beat to it. It just seems to appeal to me more. I’m glad you could relate to the topic. Thanks again. Ellie
I always have writers block. I literally have to go do something and write about it later. Maybe. You described it well.
Thank you very much, Gary. I’m glad you liked it. Writer’s block is so frustrating, isn’t it? I have often done the same thing as you do when I’m stuck, but this time, I was just determined to express what I was feeling. Thank you for calling in to my blog. You are welcome anytime. Ellie
A truly marvelous poem, dear sister writer Ellie!
– Although you nearly gave it up and opted for the telly.
You only demonstrate how self-confidence comes and goes
When all along a masterpiece is right under your nose!
Thank you for such kind words, my friend. I was feeling very determined yesterday and just couldn’t give in to the writer’s block that had taken control of my thoughts. I had lost my confidence beforehand (as I often do), but I was glad I persevered. Thank you for your visit today. Hope to see you again if you’re passing this way. Take care, Ellie
It can bet difficult to be creative when you’re grieving. Give yourself time, Ellie! You’ll enjoy writing again. (Plus, your poem about having writers block was quite good!)
Thank you very much, Ann. I’m glad you liked my poem. I’m hoping to read your latest post sometime tomorrow. I saw it pop up in my inbox earlier but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I’m looking forward to that tomorrow. Take care. Xx 💕
You take care dear friend.
Things will be fine soon.
Please don’t worry.
Yes, these are testing times, but as I said there’s a sunshine waiting for you.
.
If you want to try, I suggest you something fun with infographics. It will change the pace and will make stuff fun.
Thank you, Devang. Don’t worry, I was fine after I’d written this piece. I was really quite happy when I achieved what I’d wanted to achieve in the end 😊.
I wouldn’t have a clue how to do infographics, so will leave that expertise for you to use 😊.
You can always try it.
Will be fun.
I’m sure, it will give a fun experience. 🙂
Btw, after writing this comment I will work on something 😁
Thanks, my friend. To be honest, I really wouldn’t know where to begin with making infographics. Do you have any tips for me, so I could learn, please? You said you were going to work on something. I wonder what that is? 😊
I didn’t work on anything 😂
Wasted a lot of time
I’ve some ideas but those will take more time than writing a blog.
However, I want to do them to be different from others 😂
The challenge is to give short information. 😀
.
You go on canva, and make an image there.
You will get hang out it if you spend 20 mins on it.
I’ve not used Canva before but I’ve seen that others do sometimes. I will take a look at it. Thanks for the suggestion. Good luck with your new ideas 😊.
Thanks ET
SHINE 🌟
I love this poem about writer’s block. You nailed it with every feeling that it comes with. Great job!
Thank you, Desiree. I’m so glad you liked it, and thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed writing it in the end, even though it was born of frustration.
Lovely “fill in the gap” poem. Writer’s block is hard, but you did great with this. 🌼
Thank you so much, Brit. I’m glad you liked it. It was satisfying to be able to write it in the end Xx 😊🌷
“I don’t give a blooming toss” is so wonderfully British … although a sad poem it made me smile.
Thank you, Andrew. It had a happy ending in reality as, although I had writer’s block, I managed to produce this poem as a result of my frustration. Glad it made you smile, too, though.
Lol Reminds me of a time….
Poetry Written At Midnight
Why don’t I buy instant coffee?
…For these nights
When a poem
bounces ’round in my head
Eluding pen and pad
For fear that I MIGHT sleep?
A pot’s too much.
But for one hot cup…
One last cigarette …
and a dream.
Thanks for calling in and commenting, Laura. I love your poem, too. Thanks for sharing it.
Nice poem Mitch! Never get lost. So many well-wishers r there around the world.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you liked my poem. The blogging world is wonderful, isn’t it. So much support and friendship. Thank you for reading. All the best, Ellie
Wish you the best wishes for the coming year ahead 🎉✍️ always stay blessed with good health and happiness…Thota Ramani
Thank you so much, Thota. That’s so kind of you. I really appreciate your words. My best wishes and blessings to you, too. Ellie X
I can so identify with this poem, I think any writer/poet can. There was a time in my life where work prevented me from writing as much as I do now. Back then, if I wrote a poem a week I felt I was doing well. Now that I am on the wagon and not working anymore, I find myself writing a lot more. But I too get frustrated when I start a poem and it doesn’t pan out and I scrap it. Don’t stress out over it, you’ll come around with time. But I do get it.
Have you read “Stillborn” by Sylvia Plath? That is one of my favorite poems of hers and it is about her writer’s block. And you know I have written poems about that too. It happens to all of us, but time will get you back on trick, don’t force it.
I love this poem too.
Thanks for liking my poem, Brian. I doubt there are many poets/writers who haven’t experienced writer’s block at some point. It’s so frustrating, isn’t it? I remember some of your pieces about this. I was determined not to give up when I wrote this poem. My inspiration was lacking, so I simply thought I would write about how I felt right there and then. It somehow worked. However, I, too, have many half-started poems amongst my Word documents. Whether they’ll ever amount to anything, I’ve really no idea, but I keep them, just in case.
I haven’t read ‘Stillborn’, but will make sure that I read it this evening – I’m intrigued.
When I first began my blog nine years ago, I only wrote about once a month; then, after a while it was every fortnight and then eventually, once a week. Now, I try to write every two or three days if my brain will let me. Hope you are well, my friend.
I meant “back on track”. I have A.D.D.
Okay. Thanks for telling me.
Hello dear Ellie. When I need to make the pen work. I seek words and I listen to song. I have many large books of the greats authors. I read them and I write down words that excite my mind. Sometime one words or one song. Make us run wild in out thoughts.
Hello, John. How lovely to hear from you again, and thank you for taking the time to read some of my recent posts. I really appreciate your tips. I love the idea of taking words that appeal from books. I hadn’t thought about finding them in music, but I will certainly try that one out. Great advice. How are you? I hope you are well 😊.
I am well dear Ellie. I seek new words almost daily. Sometime a phrase catches our attention. Good morning dear Ellie from Michigan.
Ellie I am sorry that you are experiencing a Writers Block, you should read more poetry books and other blogs to get more ideas and be open to other styles of writing , fiction and non fiction✔🔥
Give it time also
Thank you for reading my post, Mthobisi. I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment. I write mainly poetry but have also recently branched out in short fiction pieces. I have read many poetry books and numerous other blogs, so I feel I have a wide range of experience over my nine years of blogging of different styles of writing from all the bloggers I follow. Thanks again for your advice. I hope you have a great day.
Nice poem Elie! As if each word expressed through heart💐
Thank you so much, Thotaramani. That’s very kind of you to say. I appreciate your visit to my blog and this post, and especially for taking your time to leave me a lovely comment 🌷.
Welcome dear friend 🙂
Only a brilliant poet can pen this beautiful a poem despite experiencing a writer’s block!💕 Hang in there, Ellie. You can do it!👍🌸❤
Aww, thank you so much, Aaysid. I’m very touched by your beautiful comment. You are very kind. Thank you very much for your encouragement. I was going to write something today, but my words have dried up. Hopefully, I might manage something tomorrow. I’ll have to wait and see if inspiration strikes me. Hope you are well and content, dear Aaysid. Xx 🌷💓🌻
You are most welcome, Ellie. I am doing good, thank you. I hope you’ll have a pleasant weekend.😊
I’m going through. Until I found this writing. It turns out that I am not alone.
Hi, Afriant. I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with writer’s block, too. I know how frustrating it is. You’re definitely not alone. I hope you manage to think of something to write about soon.
This is really good! I was amused and also felt your frustration. It seems that you did not so much as have a block as you needed to let your mind go and see where it took you and this is excellent. I sometimes sit with my journal with nothing that comes to mind to write. So I start with I do not have anything to say and several pages later I am still writing. Congrats on making space to allow your brain to flow with thought. “give a blooming toss” that is awesome.
Thank you so much, Tommy. I’m glad you mentioned journaling as this was something I used to do every morning, but I have got out of the habit of sitting down to it. I really must start doing it again. Thanks for the welcome reminder. I’m glad you liked my poem and it’s very kind of you to comment. Here’s to motivation, imagination and happy writing 😊!
Well wrote, well versed. Keep up the good work.. This poem is so relatable for us.. bloggers.!
Thank you so much, Prajus. I think all writers and bloggers get writer’s block from time to time. Thank you for reading and following my blog. It’s much appreciated.
You’re inspirational. If that’s what writers block does to you, I’d say don’t worry your pretty little head. Sit there and do that again. Lady dear. Tremendously lovely. Blessing you.
Dear Selma, thank you for your kind and generous words. They mean a lot to me. I’m sorry I’m all behind with reading some of your recent posts. I’ve just been so busy lately. I’m currently at a hospital appointment and I’m then at a meeting tonight but will try to catch up with you over the weekend. Take care of yourself, my friend. Xx 🌹💕
How fabulously relatable a piece this on writer’s block and how writing about writer’s block often pushes us toward the freshest of inspiration! ❤
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for following my blog, Layla. I’m glad you could relate to my post – I had no idea what I was going to write about that evening, and then, suddenly, the words just came to me. I’m not always that lucky when I get writer’s block, though. Thanks again. Have a great evening/night/day depending on where you are in the world. Xx 💙
Hi Ellie, I hope this year has got off to a good start for you. I did a couple of posts ages ago on writers block see below – but maybe a break from writing could help and indulge in something else you enjoy for a while 😊 💫
https://cherrylsblog.com/2019/08/04/how-to-overcome-writers-block-with-these-11-tips/
(my own thoughts)
https://cherrylsblog.com/2019/10/06/8-writing-tips-gary-younge-guardian-masterclass/
(notes from a presentation/class)
Hi, Cherryl. How lovely to see you back on WP again. It seems like ages ago I last saw you here. I hope you are well. I’d love to read more of your posts. I think I missed the last couple of your posts due to deep depression and distress when the end of my counselling came. I’ve picked myself up again now, though, and am waiting on a long list for a new counsellor. Thank you so much for the links on writer’s block. I will definitely take a look at them some time this week. I am interested to know what your take on this topic is. I’m trying to write a post today, although I have coursework to do, too. Sometimes, it’s difficult knowing which to prioritise. I do, on the whole, manage to get both done. I’ve written several posts since my Writer’s Block one, so I’m hoping I’m over the block now. Once again, it’s wonderful to see you back again. Take care of yourself Xx 😊🌹💕