A Life Less Weird
would be lacking in gusto
would sap our strength
would pull us under to
the place where normalcy shadows all that matters
A life less weird
is something to be lived by
wonderful, caring people who
just happen to lack that “spark of madness”*
that shines so brightly in
those who robinradiate
© 2016 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
*Thanks to the late Robin Williams for this phrase. He said, “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
Poets United, thanks for letting me tag along on the “Weird” prompt! There is a lovely flavor to neurodivergence (and thanks to Ian Nicholson for sharing that term, for schooling me through “Barking Sycamores” on how I can relish my own particular groove). Also, thanks to Saana for enticing me back to Poets United!
When life appears to“trump” fantasy, fantasy actually has the better foothold!
Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Sanaa Rizvi
This is such a wonderful write 🙂 especially love the reference to “the place where normalcy shadows all that matters.” But we tend to outshine don’t we?
Lots of love,
Sanaa
sharplittlepencil
Thanks, my dear. And shine on!
susan
Robinradiate! Something to aspire to or ” normalcy shadows all that matters.” Fine fine poetry!
sharplittlepencil
Thanks so much, Susan!
oldegg
That spark of madness is one thing that permits you to escape from the mundane and be the individual that is so important display to the world. Great to see you here Amy.
sharplittlepencil
Letting that freak flag fly is what we all live for! Thx, Robin!
Sherry Blue Sky
Amy, so wonderful to see you, kiddo!!! I love that quote about the “little spark of madness: you must not lose it”. That’s for sure….it’s what makes the world shine…….
sharplittlepencil
The world can reflect so much love, if we let it.
Jim
Hi Amy, I too am glad to see you here. Life without a little weirdness would be a bummer for sure. On a scale of 1 to 10 I sometimes near ten. That is one of me, there are others.
Robin Radiate was after my days of appreciation for his likes and Google wasn’t very much help.
I can hardly remember the days of “Sloopy” but she comes into my head easily, without asking. One of the best months of my life was in San Francisco for a summer month in the mid 60’s.
..
Jim
🙂
sharplittlepencil
Jim, I can relate to the SF vibe. I remember the freeing days of Sta. Monica in the late 70s. Not sure I would want to go back, but a nice experience to have “in the kettle,” on the back of the old stove, you know? Love this!
Polly
So good to see you posting again, Amy – and what a poem! Love it. 🙂
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
That little streak of weird is what makes life such fun.
Jae Rose
So glad you were enticed back – and such a sparkling poem – being different may not be easy but i certainly would;t swap it no matter how hard it gets at times..who wants to be normal! ps love the blog redecoration too xo
Magaly Guerrero
Our beloved Robin Williams and your poem sing quite true to my soul–without that bit of madness life would be to dull to delight in. ♥
Myrna
Glad you came back. So nice to reference Robin Williams and write such a good poem about the madness that we all need to have a full life.
magicalmysticalteacher
I think there’s probably a little something weird about everyone who writes.
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade)
Nicely written! I too love the line about normalcy and the great coined word ‘robinradiate’ – as well as the whole poem and its sentiments. Good to read you again, Amy!
Hannah Gosselin
Perfect quote in your closing. I agree and your poem speaks to this brilliantly. :)’s to you my dear friend.
Nancy Mattice
Yes. Thank you.
Rajesh
Very meaningful.
gc1963
Place where normalcy shadows all matters….I love this line and often think about it. What exactly is the concept of normalcy ?
tsdwords
Amy, so happy you were enticed back! Your spice has been missed. Love and peace ❤
kaykuala (@hankkaykuala)
wonderful, caring people who
just happen to lack that “spark of madness”
That is true There are people with good intentions who may not be equipped to help out at that point of time. Still they are good people who can do better than others if given the chance to shine. Great to see you back Amelita!
Hank