I think I’ve lost my spark
can’t seem to find it anywhere
I used to have one
I swear I did
it must have gone dark
always feared that it would
for what was my flickering flame
compared to her inferno?
yet I glowed a bit brighter
each time you looked my way
I hope that before I burned out
my words cast some warmth
or shed a bit of light
but probably not
I’d like to think I was a shooting star
a lump of space rock romanticized
though if I was
I’m sure I was no night sky spectacle
cutting a white streak through inky velvet
I was one of many
in a meteor shower at noon
when the sun outshone us all
yes, I think I’ve lost my spark
I’d like to place the blame on you
for being the one who stomped it out
but I’m the fool
who placed it
trustingly
into your hands
Author's Note: It is that time of year again when my summer break has come to a close and I'm back at school preparing for another year of teaching. I'll just be posting challenge entries that I've got lined up for the next few weeks. I'll still be reading pieces, but there might be larger than normal gaps between my reading sessions! So I'll show up to the party, but I'll probably be late! I've been setting up my classroom these last couple days and I'm already getting behind! I hope to catch up over the weekend!
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
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More stories from D.K. Shepard and writers in Poets and other communities.
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (15)
Beautiful work, DK! I hope all is going well back in the classroom! ❤
Excellent entry for the challenge. I love the night sky and shooting stars. Trust your school year goes well.
I would like to think I was a shooting star. DK, this was outstanding, Nicely Done!!1
Well, I guess it's nice to have the break. Teachers need them. Can't imagine what it would be like for students or teachers if School was all year round. In that case, I guess losing a spark could mean several things. But you, my friend, haven't lost yours. 💖
I loved "cutting a white streak through inky velvet" ☺️
So, totally thought I had already commented on this. When I came to check it to put it forward for Raise Your Voice, noticed my comment had vanished? lol. I feel my ode speaks volumes to my thoughts of you as a friend, person, and fellow combatant in the world of fiction and poetry, but I shall state it clearly here and agree with so many of the comments below. As relatable as this is, I doubt you could ever lose your spark. Be it as that warm and sparkling friendly word of feedback and encouragement, of support and kidnness or as the fiction and poetic inspiration you are. I never end a Shepard piece without feeling something. And this one just made me feel a little sad, if it is autobiographical. My sensing is that it is. We all have dips, though, and we are allowed those dips. Just don't let the dips become valleys. I'm losing focus now lol. If it helps. Read that ode again. To remind you of how special you are. And note the comments here and there, and just about anywhere, all showing support for you and the incredible amount of talent you have. Anyway, off to add your link to my comment on the RYV thread. :) .
Beautiful piece. I wish you all the best in your classroom ❤️
D.K., you're burning brighter than a supernova! Please don't think you're not. Don't make me bonk you on the head!... *Bonk* You're forever shining! *Bonk* You're a glittering inspiration! *Bonk* Whoever's hands you put your light in were unworthy (might have to get a hacksaw). To quote the wise Alfie: "woof" - which means you're awesome. And good luck in the new school year. Your students are gonna thrive under your tutelage.
I'm that fool right now. But I'm so sorry if you're really feeling this way 🥺 Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️ And whoaaa, you have a lot of your plate. Make sure to have enough rest and eat on time 🥰🥰🥰
I don’t think you could ever lose your spark - not with that amount of dedication and talent. Sounds like you need a rest and a bloody big margarita. This was absolutely excellent - as always.
You only lost your spark DK if you want to loose it. Jay will be the teachers pet, and I am sitting in the first row eagerly waiting for class to begin. As always outstanding writing. I didn't know that school started so early. Things have changed since I had kids in school - of course my baby is older than you are. Nicely Done DK
D.K.! My gawd this one is heartbreaking 💔. If it’s about you, I’d say you absolutely are a night spectacle!
Dk - Check your 🍎desk for 1st in line as teachers pet..! Jk.in.l.a.
This is so many things, DK! A sparkler on the 4th of July dwarfed by fireworks lighting the sky, an unanswered love letter, a goodbye that broke your heart. Since your light seems brighten everyone’s day, I’m hoping this is fiction too. Beautifully heartbreaking poem.
This is a potent poem: mournful, self-deprecating, flirting with and rejecting resentment. Well done!