I Say I Say I Say Poem by Simon Armitage
I Say I Say I Say
Anyone here had a go at themselves
for a laugh? Anyone opened their wrists
with a blade in the bath? Those in the dark
at the back, listen hard. Those at the front
in the know, those of us who have, hands up,
let's show that inch of lacerated skin
between the forearm and the fist. Let's tell it
like it is: strong drink, a crimson tidemark
round the tub, a yard of lint, white towels
washed a dozen times, still pink. Tough luck.
A passion then for watches, bangles, cuffs.
A likely story: you were lashed by brambles
picking berries from the woods. Come clean, come good,
repeat with me the punch line 'Just like blood'
when those at the back rush forward to say
how a little love goes a long long long way.
I think that this poem is brilliant. It really puts in perspective how different people see the world. It makes me think about how many people are suffering in silence? It places many different interpretations in my mind. I think this is my favourite peom by Simon, a truly moving piece.
Whoah This is spectacularly good Very deep, intense, dark in the spotlight... Feels unreal yet I know this is the reality of so many Ends almost like rap Nice flow
Well articuated and nicely put together, an insightful piece of poetry....
Profound poem, marvelously worded, I have enjoyed very much. Congratulations being chosen as The Modern Poem Of The Day.
A passion then for watches, bangles, cuffs. A likely story: you were lashed by brambles picking berries from the woods. Come clean, come good, A very fine poem. tony
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
3/16/2025 8:51:10 AM # 1.0.0
A good idea, but expressing a weak and insipid poem, as is the rest of Simon Armitages work. He's fashionable and the best of this barren period, but not one poem will out live his death.
I've had a rethink. You might be right because poets spread it too thinly One whom i call 'the worst published poet in England has NINE books of his stuff. It could be trimmed down to six or seven average odes
a poem's long life = quality? Mm! Take Kipling's If. mediocre. isn't it? Ah! but the simple stoic content appeals to many. Not me! it's almost not poetry but should be on the shelf with self help and therapeutic maxims. Bad example? well.. I'd prefer Pearl even should it die unknown