The Odd Doodle (Poetry)

I shall push my pen around
this scrap of paper
it’s the only exercise
a poet gets
a longhand dash to keep
the braincells working
before the mood to
sit and doodle sets

But why should I resist
daydream’s diversion? —
a squiggle in the margin
works as well
as any page of wordy
observation
that has less in its clumsy way
to tell

A doodle is a minor
revelation
and shorthand for
just what I couldn’t say
a thousand words condensed
in contemplation
pinned down before
the impulse slips
away