Creative Constipation
A submission for the Sensational challenge.
Screen glares, accusing
Cursor blinks at me, smirking
A mocking Cheshire cat smile
Blank page taunts me
Pen hard and unforgiving in my hand
Brain stutters
Keys clack
Cacophony of excitement
clickety clackety clickety
Bitten back by the delete key
Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.
Strain of creative constipation
Smell of failure
Bitter tang of defeat
Close the lid
Put away the pen
Shuffle off to bed
A whole day
Nearly no words written
Nothing coming out.
Frustrated.
Disappointed.
But what if
This isn't creative constipation
What if it's the birth of an Idea?
Labour and sweat to bring it out
But most of all
Remember to breathe
Remember to read
Give it room and let it come
If you force it
It might just be shit
But either way
It might help to work it out with a pencil
+++++++
Thank you for reading. Feeling frustrated today. Today was a slow day. The first slow day in ages. Going to marinate in my own juices for a day or two. Read lots and drink lots of tea. See what happens.
If you, like me, occasionally feel creatively constipated, here's what I do about it:
About the Creator
L.C. Schäfer
Book babies on Kindle Unlimited:
Summer Leaves (grab it while it's gorgeous)
Never so naked as I am on a page
Subscribe for n00dz
I'm not a writer! I've just had too much coffee!
Sometimes writes under S.E.Holz
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Keep reading
More stories from L.C. Schäfer and writers in Poets and other communities.
Thou Shalt Not Set Fire to a Nunnery
"You're going to have to help me move the body." Julie stood in the doorway to my room, which was a cell really, and she was as close to breathless as I'd ever seen her. She looked dashing in the moonlight, and lit up with the glow of adventure.
By L.C. SchäferExclusive • about a month ago
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal4 days ago in Resources
Comments (23)
I've been feeling the constipation lately as well, lol. Loved how you expressed this so easily :) Congrats on Top Story!!
Hahahaha! So clever and relatable. Thank you for the humor. And congrats!
This sounds very familiar... Ha, ha... Great Top Story, L.C.!
This sounds just like me when my mind goes blank! Excellent, and brilliant description.
I love this! So relatable. Such an entertaining read!
Funny and relatable 😊
Love this, L.C.!
So clever, great moments of self-awareness, and I love the humor in your word play. “Close the lid”—lol. I totally get why you got TS, and congrats!
Ohhh. Emmm. GEEEE!!! This is PRECIOUS! This is the epitome of why writers are so legitimately badass creatives. This poem is dope as in *double snaps* Top Story earned status cuz you werked-ahhh!
"It might help to work it out with a pencil." The image in my mind's eye is so wrong, yet so fitting 🤣
If you force it It might just be shit But either way It might help to work it out with a pencil. Love this. great job and congrats on top story.
Congratulations on your Top Story💖🎉✨
😆 love this! that last line joke is in my draft novel!! It was one of my Dad's old jokes. "What did the accountant do when they were constipated?" Was the opener. Smiling a lot now. 🥰❤
Awesome
Sad but true - this is us trying to do what we like - well written!
Omgggg soooo true! If forced, it'll just be shit. I too always marinate like you do, lol!
Great poem! I’m searching my house now for cameras! Lol. I can relate. 😎
So relatable. :) "If you force it It might just be shit"...perfect words! 😅
Fresh, Brilliant & Inspiring! I love it! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Disgusting! Appropriately disgusting imagery and a laxative for too solid words stuck in too rigid minds. Now I'm relieved, thanks L.C.! 💩📜
Maybe you're not stuck, just fermenting! Let those ideas marinate, I say. The words will come when they're ready.❤️
Ah, the dreaded pencil. I should probably learn to use it. It would probably delay my impending mental breakdown. lol
Hahahaha I will now be using the phrase creative constipation regularly. The last line got me 🤣🤣