Hi folks,

Today, we invite you to enjoy this poem by WriteByNighter Gene Hull from his new collection, The Sun God is a Ham.

When Writers Block
by Gene Hull

I'm ready to write,
my fingers poised at the keyboard
like a pianist about to begin.
In ready position I hold - a hovering hawk.
Which key will I strike first?
What innocuous click will loft
the fine sentences the world has yet to see?
Sentences that illuminate, 

Patience. A sign will appear.
I wait.
I stare at the screen, blank, unblemished.
I consider my role, spoiler of screens,
defiler of virginal computer displays.
I adjust the keyboard this way and that,
stretch out fingers. 
Flex.
Yawn. 
Rub palms together. Wait for the urge,
the catalytic surge that's sure to come.
I rearrange a small clutter on my desk,
a few pencils and pens -
the landing field is ready.

Will this ritual herald
the arrival of the muse?
I draw a deep breath, slowly exhale,
ready to launch at the moment inspired.
I tap fingers on the desk for a little activity,
annoyed with me and my unproductively.
"Come on, Self," I say aloud. "Write!"
Not a finger moves.
"Where are you, Voice?"

Maybe I should swoop down and peck
on just any key at random
just to prove that I'm in charge.
But would that upset the flow of ideas to come?
Today I'm not so sure.

Maybe I'll read a book instead. 

-Justine

P.S. If you want to learn about writer's block and how to overcome it, watch this video by yours truly.