“This World is Yours” published at Spillwords Press

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hey, folks. I’m excited to let you know my poem “This World is Yours” is now live at Spillwords Press. I appreciate Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing this piece. It’s an incredible honor to share my work with the readers at Spillwords Press. Many thanks, Dagmara. I’m deeply grateful.

“This World is Yours”
(c) 2023 by Michael L. Utley

you thought you could
save the world
wee lad
you couldn’t even
save yourself

those bleak nighthawk skies
where dead stars fall
like blood-bloated flies
and fey winds howl
in deafened ears
a behemoth’s fetid exhalation
violent and ignorant
and inexorable

breathe
breathe it all in
the sweat-soaked fear
the bitter tang of futility
fill your lungs
wee lad
this world is yours
as far as tear-blurred
eyes can see…

You can read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. And once you’re there, take some time to check out the work of many other talented writers on Spillwords Press, where you’ll find a treasure trove of good writing.

79 thoughts on ““This World is Yours” published at Spillwords Press”

    2. I’m doing fine, my friend. Staying warm. It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of January! Time goes by so fast, you know? I hope the rest of your week is filled with happiness. See you later! :)

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      1. rajkkhoja's avatar rajkkhoja

        Thank you so much my friend you too fine! Time goes so fast but living Life! Why January is hard?

        See you soon friend!

        Tack care! God bless you!🙋

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    1. Many thanks, Ashley, for the kind words. I was looking for a phrase that spoke of the innocence of childhood, particularly that of early childhood, to contrast with the devastation of domestic abuse. ”Wee lad” came to mind and just had the right feel to it. I have Scottish, Irish and English ancestry (among a few others), so I suppose that played a part, too. Thank you for stopping by and reading, my friend. I hope the remainder of your week is grand. :)

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      2. I would say that “wee lad” is something one would hear “on the street” around here. My ancestry is northern English (& all those genes from the continental invaders) & Irish. Living here in N.I. there are also many Scottish & Welsh voices!

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  5. Wow Mikey . Just wow. I shared it on IG. But this is one of the most stirring and evocative pieces of poetry I’ve ever read. It’s a very moving read, as David said, Haunting… The strife, the agony of a lost/fractured childhood, the words were so touching. You truly dig into the depths of your soul. Well done. My bro. Well done. 👏💙

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    1. Thanks, Nigel. This means a lot to me, man. Truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and wonderful words. And thanks for sharing this poem. You’re too kind, my friend. :) 

      This piece is sort of interesting in that I wrote it long-hand in a notebook since my computer was in the shop at the time. It came out with a uniquely different feel to it, compared to what I write on my PC. More “organic” is the closest I can come to describe it. (I’d try this more often but man, my handwriting is horrendous!) It took three days and a few rewrites to get all the different parts to gel, and yeah, it’s pretty dark stuff, dredged from the muddy rivers of my childhood. Still, the act of writing this one was liberating.

      Thanks for stopping by, my friend. I appreciate it. :)

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      1. Lol.. I can’t even understand my own handwriting now.

        Dredged from the muddy waters of your childhood? Oh man, what transpired in this poem bro, is some next level stuff. I could feel the passion , and the creative juices flowing. I was in the gym reading it, and I was done working out. Needed to share, and to comment. It was such a good piece of writing Mikey. Nothing interrupts my training days. 😂
        I’m sure it was liberating. I get the same energy and feeling from writing mate. Imma share this with the family back home. The kids at the orphanage would truly appreciate this poem as well.
        Thanks for sharing this with us Mikey.

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    2. In the gym, you say? Hm…do a few reps for me, willya? I’m so outta shape! :D

      Seriously though, I’m honored that you plan on sharing this with your family back home. It’s such a cool feeling. If the kids at the orphanage get to read or hear this poem, I sincerely hope it helps them in some way.

      Thanks again, buddy. Much appreciated. :)

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      1. I try to exercise. I value second chances in life..their chances if I count Covid. So I try to run, and workout daily. Getting older two recovery time takes a little longer .

        My sis will ensure that the kids hear the poem. Some a quite young, but the older ones should get it. I’m sure she’ll explain it to them anyway.
        💜🙏

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  6. Pingback: “This World is Yours” published at Spillwords Press – Helping You To Succeed

    1. Kindest thanks, Priscilla. I just turned 60 and I’m still trying to work through some of this stuff from my childhood. It’s a slow process, but writing helps so much by putting a handle on all those amorphous thoughts and memories, allowing me to deal with them more effectively. I truly appreciate your thoughtful words, and I thank you for stopping by. :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Friedrich. This was my first submission to Spillwords Press so I was excited it was accepted. I know how you feel about fellow artists–it really pleases me and motivates me when I see my blogger friends finding good fortune with their art. Thank you, my friend, for your wonderful support, and know that I’m always cheering for you and wishing you success and happiness. Your work is inspiring and profound, and I’m glad to call you a friend. :)

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    1. For some reason, my friend, Spillwords continually denies me access, so I couldn’t leave a comment for you there. I’m back here! This poem feels familiar to me, the wee lad refrain so powerful and heartbreaking, a child alone, battling the vast demons of life. “what’s a little blood / between father and son?” That line took my breath away – the dismissiveness of the wee lad’s experience of violence is heartbreaking. The lad perseveres still. I hope that means in the end the lad prevails. Beautiful and wrenching poetry, my friend.

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      1. Kindest thanks, Diana. The wee lad’s journey continues apace, I must report. He’s still here, still trying to find his way. Memories are tough to shake sometimes, and we wear them like scars all too often. This poem was first posted here on my blog a year ago, and it was an interesting journey watching the words fall onto the page (written long-hand in my cryptic chicken-scratch as my computer was in the shop at the time). It’s very dark but so is much of my other poetry. I’m fine with that; sometimes the truth is dark, you know? Shine a bit of light on things and see them scurry into the cracks in the floorboards. It felt good to write this one. Also, this was my first ever submission to Spillwords Press, so I was incredibly delighted to have it accepted. (Many thanks to Dagmara and her crew.)

        I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support, my friend. It’s incredibly uplifting and inspiring. I always look forward to your comment and insights. Many thanks for being here, Diana. I appreciate you. :)

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    1. Hey, Kirsten! Thanks a bunch for taking time to read and comment. It’s always a delight to see you drop by for a visit. This was my first submission to Spillwords so I was pretty stoked when it was accepted. It’s definitely a dark poem, but it was an important one for me. I love dark imagery, and when it comes to many of my memories of childhood, bleak imagery is so appropriate. I appreciate your kind support.

      Also, thanks for the birthday wishes! I was playing it low-key this year, not telling anyone for fear that in lieu of gifts they’d give me Geritol and Depends and a lifetime membership to AARP instead… *rimshot* Anyway, it’s really nice of you to remember. Many thanks, my friend. :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Layla. Yes, we all must find something in the end. My journey–and my search–continues. I’m so grateful for your constant support. It means a lot to me. Sincere thanks, my friend! :)

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  26. Mike, your poem goes straight to the heart and soul. I haven’t left a comment on Spillwords yet because I’m not feeling well right now and can’t recall my log in info. But I did ‘heart’ it. I’m so sorry. But I wanted to read your post, and Congratulations are always in order because your writing is exquisite. Your metaphors and imagery are stunning and your words are always evocative. Hugs, my friend.

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    1. Thanks, Lauren. I’m sorry to learn you’re under the weather. Here’s wishing you a quick recovery. Also sending you some good vibes with regards to the weather in your part of the world. It looks pretty severe.

      Thanks for your kind words, too. I appreciate your taking the time to read the poem and leave a comment here. It means a lot to me. This was my first Spillwords submission so I was delighted it was accepted. The poem was a journey to write, filled with dark themes and imagery, but as always it was good to put those thoughts and memories into concrete form. Like I mentioned to Diana above, the wee lad’s journey continues and I’m hoping for the best. ;)

      Thanks again, my friend. Get well soon! :)

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      1. Hi Mike, my nerves are quiet right now (knock on wood), so I’m going to visit SP while I can. But thank you for your comforting words. I may not get to the blog today, but I’ll respond later to your comment. And I value each minute, half hour, or hour when I have no pain. Anyway, I love your writing and I’m glad the journey continues. I think if we lose hope then there’s nothing else. And with this newfound pain, I’ve been depressed off and on. But my family keeps my chin up. Anyway, I’m glad you find that writing helps you too. That’s the only thing I could do yesterday, and then I wasn’t sure if I should post it. But in case it helps others or anyone has some wise words, I went for it this morning when my brain was a little back to normal and not so panicky. You’re always welcome, and I’m heading over to SW now. Take care, my friend.

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    2. Thanks a bunch, Lauren. I know you’re going through a rough patch right now with your health and my thoughts are with you. Sending you comfort and strength to see you through, and praying for a lasting resolution so you’ll be pain-free again.

      Your thoughtful words mean a lot to me, especially coming form someone of your stature in the writing community. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment even though you’re feeling poorly, my friend. Your kindness and support are invaluable, and I appreciate you. :)

      So, here’s hoping you’ll be feeling better ASAP. Get some rest and know we’re all cheering for you and wishing you the very best! :)

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