Stumped Again (A Poem)


Once again, I’m rather stumped
My lacking words cannot be dumped
onto this page, crisp and white
when I do not know what to write

I thought I’d conquered writer’s block      
so this has come as quite a shock
My keys are silent; my pen can’t write
I sat here, dumb, into the night

What topic shall I write about?
This I cannot figure out
I tried again in the early morning
just as the rosy sun was dawning

I don’t have time to have a break
I force myself to stay awake
I’m tired of all this concentration
Perhaps, I’ll do some meditation

I haven’t written for a week
I’m stuck right here with poor technique
I’m halfway through a true-life tale
but miserably, that’s still a fail

I’m concentrating very hard
but every word simply jars
Relax – breathe in – and then exhale
Damn!! Still, it is to no avail.



Photo by Ivan Samkov: https://www.pexels.com







Author: Ellie Thompson

Writing my memoirs, musings, a little fiction and a lot of poetry as a way of exploring and making the most of my life ... ... Having had a break from writing my blog for more than three years, I decided to return to write my memoirs, some day-to-day observations, views and feelings. My passion is non-fiction poetry. I have a disability and use an electric powerchair called Alfie and let nothing get in the way of living life to the full. I believe that you can never do a kindness too soon and should give credit where credit is due. A smile or a kind word could make the difference between a good or bad day for a person - we never know what's going on for another soul. Those little things, perhaps, practised daily like a mantra, could mean so much to someone else. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading a little more about me. Please, make yourself at home here. You are very welcome. Ellie x 😊

81 thoughts on “Stumped Again (A Poem)”

    1. Hi, Granny. I hadn’t written anything for nearly a week and was feeling very frustrated with myself. I hope my Mojo returns soon. I will email you later. Thanks for your email to me. Love you Xxxx 💜💐💞

      Reply

  3. This is NOT a fail, Ellie. You expressed yourself very well, including making your rnyme “jar” at the perfect moment. Just keep on writing about whatever it is you are feeling, though it not be momentous. Sometimes a writer must write the mundane. But it is still writing.

    Reply

    1. today i saw a movie
      a movie about a man
      a man who was black
      black as lead
      leadbelly

      leadbelly was the man
      the man hated him
      him they tried to kill
      to kill him alive
      a live corpse

      and almost they succeeded
      but seeded by their attempt
      to tempt him into death
      he broke loose all their chains
      AND DIED ALIVE

      Reply

        1. Yes, I only give you my writing. Sometimes what you write reminds me of something I wrote, many long years ago. Your “jarring” end reminded me how Leadbelly broke loose all his chains, which were linked together, line to line.
          (Which was not intentional. I did not realize until later that each line was “linked” to the previous line until they started to stretch — and then the chain broke.)

          Reply

    2. Thank you, J., for your reassurance. I very nearly left the ‘jar’ as ‘jarred’ but then found it was the wrong tense, so changed it at the last minute. I’d like to be able to write more eloquently but, as you say, it is still writing – and it’s just me as I am. 💜💛💜

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Layla. That’s so kind of you to say. I hadn’t written for almost a week, and was feeling very frustrated. I’m glad I managed to produce something, albeit not my best rhyme. I do feel encouraged by my readers’ kind responses, though. You are all so lovely. X 😊.

      Reply

  6. Fortunately, the topic of writer’s block is fertile ground for writers to pursue. And it’s relatable to everyone who reads it. A week ago, I was feeling it and I decided to reach way back to a childhood memory. I had a good time writing it and people seemed to like it. There’s a lot of your story I don’t know (not talking about the bad parts). Like I just learned you have sisters. There must be a book worth of material in there.

    Reply

    1. You’re right, Jeff – I’ve read a few writer’s block posts lately. I wonder if writing about it is contagious. I can recall your last post; it was the really interesting one about Davey Fend, wasn’t it? It sparked off all sorts of interesting questions in my mind, as you know. I found it fascinating.

      I’m trying to write two pieces at the moment; one about a school exchange visit to Germany when I was about 12-14 and the other about my Mum’s childhood. The first one is, so far, four pages long, so too long to share on my blog. The other one, I really want to finish, but with my Mum not being here anymore, I’m getting stumped for details and further information. I’d like to write a book, although, I’ve only ever considered publishing my poems. I’ve not got very far on that front, either. Perhaps, I could write the story of my life in poetry. I’ve already got a wealth of those on my blog. Definitely food for thought (no pun intended regarding your latest post!)

      Reply

  7. Writers block is awful, I find myself lost now and again it’s sinking pit. Actually I’m waist deep in it at the moment. This poem may have just given me the inspiration and kick that I needed. Thanks for sharing this. I’ll go find a pen and glue it to my left hand until something comes of it.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reading and for your comment, G D. It’s so frustrating when it gets you, isn’t it? I’m glad my simple poem might give you some inspiration to get yourself out of the hole that I’m all too familiar with, also. I will keep an eye out for a new post from you now that we’ve ‘met’.

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Aaysid. It is very frustrating indeed. My poem was written as a result of being very frustrated that I couldn’t write anything, but then, that’s how this poem came about. Xx 🌼💖

      Reply

    1. Hi Mick. I hope you and your family are still well. The poem I wrote yesterday was all I could manage to get my mind to concentrate on, so it was born out of frustration, really. I’ve been slacking on my journal writing, so have started that again this morning in the hope it will prompt some ideas. I’ve also got a piece of coursework to finish, that is due in tomorrow, and it needs a lot of editing. I’d like to read more, but with writing, blogging and coursework to do, I just don’t have the time. However, I know that reading helps to improve your writing, so I’m really going to make an effort. I want to read my new book, ‘Room’ by Emma Donoghue, which one of my readers suggested. Take care of yourself, Mick.

      Reply

      1. Hi Ellie. We’re good here, thanks. I hope you are, too. It’s just a thought, but you might try seeing how many poems and vignettes you could write about not being able to write; aim to come up with as many as possible. Don’t be too precious with the writing, let it be a stream of consciousness exercise.
        Obviously, take time to read your book and do your coursework as well!

        Reply

        1. Now, there’s an interesting challenge for me 😁. I’ll give it some thought, although I don’t know where I’d fit it in. I finished my short story/essay for my coursework today. It took most of the day, hence I’ve hardly had time to read any blogs. It was 3000 words, so almost certainly too long to share on my blog. I’m good, thanks. Glad you are all well in your family 😊.

          Reply

          1. Well, three thousand words is an achievement in itself if you’re struggling to write. It sounds as though you’re doing well and possibly just lacking a bit of confidence at the moment.

          2. Thanks, Mick. It’s the first time I’ve written something of that length. I got feedback from my tutor, which is encouraging. You are absolutely right about my lack of confidence. Every time I write something for my blog or my course, I think no one will want to read it or think much of it. That’s been the story of my life. I’m always surprised to get so much kind feedback when I post it and hand my work to my tutor 😊.

  10. Well done, my friend. This is beautifully written. Well, no writer, even the very best, has evaded this ‘good’ problem of writers block. It’s a space for reflection, not dejection. Be encouraged. Love.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Thompson. That’s very kind of you to say. I like your view of writer’s block being space for reflection and not dejection. I often feel dejected and frustrated when I just can’t find the words I need to write. Having said that, I wrote a 3000-word short story for my coursework today. I’m now way behind on my blog reading. I enjoyed writing it, though. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to share that on my blog, it’s far too long. There just aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes. Thank you for your kind encouragement, my friend. I hope you are well. Hug 🤗.

      Reply

    2. Reluctant Poet, here is my attempt at replying to your challenge. I hope I have understood the meaning of an elfchen correctly.

      1) When
      I dream
      it takes me
      into an illusory realm
      Phantasmal.

      2) When
      I dream
      I see oceans
      of sapphire and turquoise
      Rippling.

      3) If
      I feel
      these emotions deeply
      tears from my eyes
      fall.

      Hope you enjoy them as much as did in the writing of them 😊🌼💕.

      Reply

  14. I think all writers suffer from writer’s block now and then. But you write about it very well, so in a sense, you’ve conquered it. When you’re ready to write about something else, you’ll know it. Until then, it’s okay to take a little break. I find I enjoy writing much more when I wait until I really want to do it. I hope that helps!

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Ann. I get so frustrated when I get writer’s block as writing is my passion. Yesterday, I finished a 3000-word short story for my course. The tutor got back to me and was very pleased with it. It took me the whole day to complete but I really enjoyed writing it. It was a piece of fiction but based roughly on a Mum’s life as a child. It was quite different to what I have written before. I’d like to be able to share it on my blog, but I think it would be too long for readers to plough through. Needless to say, every time I spend a day writing for my course (or often on my blog) nothing else gets done. I have approximately 75 email notifications in my blog inbox! I like to read them all and reply if I have the time as I think blogging is all about give and take. People read my blog, so I want to return the act for them. The trouble is there aren’t enough hours in the day ⏰ 💕. Hope you have a lovely day, Ann.

      Reply

      1. I understand! Sometimes you just have to trust that people will understand you don’t have time to read and comment on all of their posts. If writing the fiction makes you happy, I say go for it and don’t worry about who has time to read it! And don’t worry about when you don’t have time to keep up with all the blogs you follow either. (Easier said than done, I know, but it really is okay to step out of the blogging world now and then.) Take care, Ellie!!! We’re all here for you!

        Reply

        1. Thanks for being so understanding, Ann. Writing is my passion and along with my coursework, I would happily write all day long. It’s the reading of other blogs that I often struggle with. I know people will understand if I don’t keep up, but I just feel that if someone has taken the time to like and comment on one of my blogs, then, it is only right to return that compliment to them. I seem to have gone from being at home and doing not a lot everyday to now, being busy with one thing or another several days a week. Thank you for being there for me, Ann. X 💐💕

          Reply

    1. Thanks, Brian. Most writers get writer’s block at various points, which is very frustrating. I was glad to have been able to write this poem, nevertheless. I wrote a short story (3000 words) for my course yesterday, which took up the whole day, so I have a lot of blog reading to catch up with today. Hope you have a good day.

      Reply

    1. Thank you, my friend. That’s so kind of you to say. My writer’s block resolved itself yesterday, as I had to write a short story for my course. It took me all day, so I’m all behind on reading blogs. Kind wishes coming to you, too 😊.

      Reply

    1. I hate it, too, Ann. It is extremely frustrating, isn’t it? I wasn’t happy with my last poem, but was happy to see that other readers didn’t think it was too awful. I hope you are well. Xx 💐

      Reply

  19. And look at that ‘nothing’ that you just created! Definitely something a lot of people can relate to.
    I don’t think I struggle with writer’s block much. I’m mostly lacking the time, and discipline to sit still and focus on writing, or proper mental space.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Sam. Although I don’t always have the time, especially now we’re coming into Spring, as more of my weekly activities start up again, I do have the discipline, but I tend to push myself very hard to keep up with everything. Having the menta space used to be a problem, not so long ago, but I’ve found that it’s less of an issue now, thankfully. X 🌹

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Blaise. I’m glad you enjoyed my poem. Thank you, too, for following my blog and calling in to see what I write about today. It’s really so kind of you 😊.

      Reply

  24. Love this, such a relatable problem. Hope you find your way back to your writing project soon, sometimes it’s your brains way of telling you that you need a break 🙃. KL ❤️

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for reading and leaving me such a kind comment, KL. It didn’t take long before inspiration struck again and I was able to write a few more posts since the time I was totally stumped. I agree with you, too, that sometimes it’s your mind and body telling you to rest for a while. The problem is that I’m so passionate about my writing, that I get very frustrated when my words seem to disappear into thin air. X 😊💕

      Reply

  25. I’m so glad you were able to use the block to create this. We write when we aren’t feeling it, when the words don’t come, when the sun isn’t shining and when it’s too bright. We write because it’s how we process the world and it’s what we do. Keep putting one word after another. You got this!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Bridgette. It was a relief to be able to write this despite having writer’s block. I totally agree with you about being a writer. I try to explain to people that my writing is my world and how I view it. It’s just what I need to do. I can’t imagine who I’d be without my writing. I love that you get this, too. Thank you always for your wonderful encouragement – it means the world to me. Xx 🤗💞

      Reply

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