║ tenth stanza ║ voice

[mumbled_truth]

[Those who know Todd may notice a few differences thanks to today's curse; in addition to being noticeably lower, Todd's voice is also a bit louder, bolder and more confident than usual. The slightly self-berating comments that he makes don't seem to stem from an actual lack of confidence the same way usually do; it's quite clear that he's joking, and even if it is at his own expense, they are not the words of a young man suffering from low self-esteem.]

Good evening, City. I hope everyone's well tonight. And yes... yes, this is another poetry post. Those of you who are tired of me stumbling through my clumsy verses can feel free to skip on by. I promise not to be too offended.

I'll even give you a moment to find your buttons.

Wouldn't want to subject the unwilling to my amateurish stabs at written word.

Okay?

Alright. So, those of you who are left -- which is probably Neil and Rosella at this point, hope you're both well tonight -- I'll ask you to keep in mind that this one is still extremely rough around the edges. Of course, it is still better than what my publisher lets me get away with sometimes. I hate putting some of that stuff out but really... deadlines? Like anyone can will poetry to happen on a schedule. It's poetry. It just doesn't work that way...

Anyway. To the poem in question--

[Todd clears his throat, and then takes on a more dramatic and deliberate method of speaking.]

Through the darkness, there cut a spark
A flash from which all light has poured
What had come before cannot be seen
Too brilliant the flame which since has roared

Through violent rains and gusting winds
We try in vain to shield each fire
Persist, it does, through much hardship
But inevitably, all must expire

Thus, while that light remains yet lit
I implore you to wonder as to its aims
For though many may witness your radiance,
How many have found warmth from your flames?

[He pauses a moment, returning to a more casual mode of speaking.]

...it is pretty lousy, isn't it? It really sounded better in my head, I swear. They always do...

Still, I'll work on it. Maybe I'll have something better for you all next time. Have a good night, City.


[ooc: Todd is cursed with Road Not Taken. The same as Neil today, this is a version where at the end of the movie, Neil decides to run away to New York instead of shooting himself. And, in typical Neil fashion, has dragged Todd along for the ride. They've gone, pursued their artsy careers, and Todd is starting to eke out an extremely modest living writing his poetry. He remembers being in the City for the length of time that he has been, but obviously, thanks to Neil being alive, some things are a little different. Like the angst, and the deity deal. ALSO I'm right on the bandwagon next to Neil and old Todd will be played in comments by asyouwail... because I wanted more icons.]

Comments

[miss-waldorf.livejournal.com]

I think that's pretty good.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

You think so?

I suppose I have done worse... thank you. I appreciate it.

[miss-waldorf.livejournal.com]

No, really. I don't know much about poetry, but I loved how that sounds.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, I don't think you need to know about poetry to decide whether you like some or not.

That's very kind of you to say.

[miss-waldorf.livejournal.com]

Glad you think so~

Who are your favorite poets?

WELL HELLO THERE OLD, CONFIDENT, AND LOOKIN' SMEXY TODD

[primrosella.livejournal.com]

Deadlines? Publisher?

I thought it was just lovely, Todd.

Y HALO. ... it's bad of me to enjoy aging him up as much as I do, isn't it? XD

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, thank you, Rosella.

You always do manage to make me feel better about anything I do, you know.

And I ALMOST aged her up this weekend, too. Nutbunnies. =D

[primrosella.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome, of course! But as usual, I don't think you give yourself nearly enough credit. Do I really?

How many have you written, now? I'm afraid I've lost count.

Awwww. XD Well, there are always more grab bags!! ...ALWAYS.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, you know what they say, about being your own worst critic? I'll never get any better if I start deciding I'm good. Besides, then I'd just be a jerk with a huge ego.

I... think I might have lost count, too, actually. I really should have numbered them... um, I'm going to go with... a lot?

[to-live-deep.livejournal.com]

If it sounds that much better in your head, I honestly can't imagine what you hear. I love it.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

You've always liked everything I do, though.

I'm starting to think I can't trust your opinions, you know.

[to-live-deep.livejournal.com]

Start writing bad poetry and I'll stop liking it.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

... the cat sat on the mat?

[absinthe-eyed.livejournal.com]

It's not bad. I think it could be more cohesive... more thematic continuity. Good word choice, though.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

I was hoping someone would have something constructive to offer.

Thank you. Really, I appreciate any suggestions for improvement greatly.

[absinthe-eyed.livejournal.com]

Of course. Don't take my word for anything, though.

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, I do try to take any feedback I'm offered into consideration. Best way to improve, isn't it?

Are you-- I'm sorry, this must seem like an awfully rude question, but have we spoken before?


[ooc: Don't mind Todd. He's confused by your bodyswap curse and is not exactly great with the Network. XD]

[ann-withane.livejournal.com]

Lousy? Don't use such a word! I think it's beautiful!

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, thank you, Anne. That's very sweet of you to say.

and she flails

[ann-withane.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't say it's sweet. I'm only saying what I really think.

bawww XD

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Well, can I say it's sweet that you took the time to say it?

I'm glad that you liked it, though.

voice;

[adamantined]

Well, at least some things don't change with age.

voice;

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Age? I have to admit, I feel like I might have missed something here...

voice;

[adamantined]

It's like I told Neil, you're definitely older than the last time I saw you.

voice;

[asyouwail.livejournal.com]

Am I?

I feel the same to me.