sad poetry
The cathartic nature of poetry makes it one of the best outlets to channel feelings of sadness, emotional turmoil, grief and despair.
What Is It They Always Say?. Winner in Say It Again Challenge.
What is it they always say? A stitch in time saves nine? When we buy fast fashion cheaper than cotton? What is it they always say? A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush? If the birds are busy why would I stick my hand in there? What is it they always say? The needs of many outweigh the needs of one? Is that why we call war The greater good? What is it they always say? No man is an island? Then why do we isolate and victimise? What is it they always say? Curiosity killed the cat? Funny how it never seems to kill ignorance. What is it they always say? Sticks and stones may break my bones? But why do words linger longer than the broken bones? What is it they always say? I don't intend to offend? Then punch down with all your weight What is it they always say? It's just a joke? Then why does the laughter cut like a bread knife? What is it they always say? I'm not racist, but? Funny how that but remembers what the rest forgot What is it they always say? I believe in equality? Just not your equality What is it they always say? Respect your elders? Is that why we mistake age for wisdom? What is it they always say? Always look for a policeman? Unless no-one believes you anyway What is it they always say? Stranger danger, stranger danger When the relative or family friend is having their wicked way with the innocent? What is it they always say? Blood is thicker than water? Is that why it hurts more when family turns against you? What is it they always say? Boys don't cry? Is that why I am standing on the top of a bridge?
By Paul Stewart2 months ago in Poets
Static in the Skin. Winner in Static Challenge. Top Story - July 2026.
They glitched us and took away the behaviour, replacing it with colour distortion that frames us against the odds. This poem moves through static, misrecognition, and the noise that rises when identity beats behaviour.
By Caitlin Charlton2 months ago in Poets
The Smell of Burst Balloons
I don't recall how old I was Maybe that's a lie A clever line I just say To sound accidental anecdotal nostalgic notation - because - I feel well...I feel so damn old - We all do that, don't we? it can't just be me - But I recall that jolt that rush The surge of electricity as As my hands grip the rubber Full of breathy promise, And I rub the enlarged sphere Against my hair - Closing my eyes with pleasure, anticipating As the rubber balloon demands And then after just seconds It happens, gravity defeated - But is it really, well no, but to me A small nipper, knee high to a... ... You know - some kind of miracle, of science, unseen powers and laws dictating our movements and life - When I was young the need to do it always gripped at me Or, if I'm honest, when my height shot up I still felt that urge, but nothing stays The same can't stay the same - I stand on any day no particular day A Tuesday evening. A Thursday after dawn. Most likely a Saturday... - A Saturday after our wedding anniversary It was twenty-two years to the day Since those words you say when asked - But in truth again - I don't remember the day I remember the smell - Of burst balloons Of the promise balloons offer to rekindle something specific From my past And look at those still inflated ... Waiting And take the rubber and rub it Against my skin my hair or at least - At least what's left of it as I chase That buzz that lightning bolt charge - But as I desperately Rub the balloon against my old head It's never Ever quite the same - Like the first time you hear that song You know the one We all have one Lyrics and melodies Echo echo echo ... In the silence We find ourselves in - In our heads When we need it But it never sounds the same - Still magical, still transformative But without that original fire - While everyone goes about their lives - I'm just stood there, static - Static - noun definition Not moving, unchanged - Static
By Paul Stewart2 months ago in Poets
