Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa

My mind is as blank as
the bright white screen -
         
the cursor blinks insistently
in rhythm with my heart.
         
         does it begin to blink
         faster - even LARGER
         maybe even LOUDER?
         as I sit here staring at it?  Is
         that even possible?

"Just write, let the words flow without
thinking - don't lift your pen from the page,"

         or in this case, your fingers
         from the keyboard

she advised at the writing workshop.

"Just write - clear your mind - don't think!"

         But I HAVE to think!  It's
         what I DO!  I think, therefore
         I am!  How can a person write
         without thinking?

"Just write - don't think!"

         I can't do it!

"Just write."

And so I give in
         and clear my mind
                   and set my fingers upon  
                             this fading old keyboard
                                                           and write
         
comforted by the clicking sound
my fingers make upon the keys -
shocked by the words that appear
in a blur before my eyes.

         The cursor really does beat
                   with the rhythm of my heart.