Jack In A Box

by CJ Maleney   Apr 1, 2019


My name, it is not Jack,
And I do not have a spring.
There is not a handle for you to wind,
That will make me laugh or sing.

Not a painted smile upon this face,
No rosey glowing cheeks
But the look of pure exhaustion,
That has built for years, not weeks.

No hand of man doth force me in.
It is just what I've become.
A dweller in a metal box,
To endure an engines hum.

I'm sure that Jack will feel lonely too.
Despite that ever lasting smile.
But brief moments of freedom we are gifted,
Are like droplets in the Nile.

So miniscule and fleeting are such times.
You dwell upon what you choose.
You gauge what you accumulate.
Against everything you lose.

This life is not for everyone.
And in time it will not be for me.
But unlike poor Jack I'll take life back,
And finally be free.

    report violation
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Latest Comments

  • 6 years ago

    by Meena Krish

    Congrats on the Win!! Well penned...take care :)

  • 6 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    I too liked the comparison and the emphasis on enjoying freedom when that opportunity comes. A relatable piece to others when thinking how we all can endure so much, smile on the outside yet still feel a loneliness or emptiness. But focusing on what's ahead, not dwelling on the current or past, will spring us forward to something new. Congrats on the win!

    • 6 years ago

      by CJ Maleney

      Thank you.

      I guess if you have something to look forward too your current circumstance is bearable

      Craig x

  • 6 years ago

    by Hellon

    Honestly...I loved this poem! The whole concept of the jack in the box taking on a life of his own really appealed to me. I remember taking my grandson to a second hand toy shop and he just loved the 'box with the funny clown who jumped out'...he would clap his little hands,push Jack back in and do it all over again.

    I know you are comparing it to how your life is and I get that too but...the little kid inside me sees the sadness of poor Jack now tossed aside as my grandson's probably is now but...I appreciate the memories you have stirred up for me. Congrats on your win, very well deserved :)

    • 6 years ago

      by CJ Maleney

      If it brought a smile in whatever way then that makes me truly happy.

      I suppose the poem sounds quite maudlin but it wasn't really intended as such. It was just a comparison I made between myself and poor old jack.

      I'm rather chuffed it took you somewhere else.

      Craig x

  • 6 years ago

    by Paul Hirst

    Trapped within your steel box waiting to be released
    Nice write

    • 6 years ago

      by CJ Maleney

      Cheers gjad you liked

      Craig

  • 6 years ago

    by Brenda

    Craig, I really liked this a lot. I liked your comparisons between being a Jack in the box and a truck driver. Awesome analogies!

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