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The Crossworder Poem -Alan j Wright

 

This poem emerged from a brief observation while on a supermarket raid last week. A notebook entry percolated into a poem and this is the result.

Poets are observers. Much of our inspiration comes from the noting of brief encounters and magic moments. We see something and feel a compelling urge to react with words.  So here is my poem about my special sighting of a cruciverbalist...


Crossworder

A man sporting a wide brimmed hat
Sat in the café
Studiously crouched over
The Thursday crossword in the newspaper.
His pen poised,
His brow set to serious.
 
I further noticed he was seated
One down and three across
from the café entrance.
Beyond that
I didn’t have a clue.
Although I did wonder if a crossword passed his lips
while his puzzle he pondered.

Alan j Wright



















It's Poetry Friday and our host this time is Carol Labuzzetta. Carol uses the metaphor of a ferris wheel to write about life's ups and downs and the ever changing cycle we all encounter. 

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Comments

  1. Carol Labuzzetta23 May 2026 at 00:26

    This is an interesting form Alan. I am an observer as well. Right now, in the Minneapolis Airport, there are so many people to watch. Many, including me at this moment on a device. Soon, I'll put my laptop away and truly observe, maybe getting a poem out of it as well. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright23 May 2026 at 09:53

      Observation is akin to a lifesource to a poet, I believe. I can picture you in the airport, Carol. Your mind and senses feasting on the rich pickings of that busy setting. May you enjoy safe travels and a burst of ideas.

      Delete
  2. Linda M.23 May 2026 at 09:55

    oooooh, these are my favorite kinds of poems...percolated in/from the notebook. Well done. I love the placement of the man in the poem. Perfection!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright23 May 2026 at 10:27

      Thanks Linda. Love the concept of percolation as applied to poetry.

      Delete
  3. Michelle Kogan23 May 2026 at 15:12

    What a clever poem Alan, love the geography you brought into it, and learning about a cruciverbalist, I'll have to use that word sometime, thanks! ☺️

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright24 May 2026 at 12:27

      Thank you, Michelle. A brief observation that became something more tangible. What fun it is to capture such glmpses.

      Delete
  4. Mona Voelkel23 May 2026 at 20:50

    Alan, everything about this poem is fabulous! Love his hat, his sitting "one down and three across" (I giggled), and the "crossword" play! Thanks to you, I also learned a new word-crucuverbalist!!!! This is inspiring me to look and listen, and discover some new words, and try and put them into poems! Thanks so much, Alan, for all the poetry goodness and inspiration!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright24 May 2026 at 12:30

      Thank you for your generous response, Mona. May your observations and encounters bear poetic treasure. I must admit to being a big fan of Billy Collins and his expert crafting of observational poems.

      Delete
  5. Patricia Franz24 May 2026 at 03:44

    So clever, Alan! Bravo for the noticing. My heart finds hope in imagining all the poets in the grocery store taking notes. BTW... you also leave me with the mystery of all that you seized, stole or looted at the supermarket...

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright24 May 2026 at 12:34

      Thank you, Patricia. People watching is endlessly fascinating. Please believe me when I say supermarket raid, it is actually a synonym for household shopping on those days when it's my turn to cook. It's new age hunting and gathering. However, across the years supermarket visits have provided lots of poetic 'fodder.'

      Delete
  6. Karen Edmisten 24 May 2026 at 05:04

    I love the clever whimsy here, Alan! Especially:

    I further noticed he was seated
    One down and three across
    from the café entrance.
    Beyond that
    I didn’t have a clue.

    Bravo for observation turning into poetry!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright24 May 2026 at 12:35

      Thank you, Karen. Much appreciated. Couldn't resist the wordplay...

      Delete
  7. Anonymous26 May 2026 at 08:09

    GROAN! So. Very. Punny!!!

    --Mary Lee

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright27 May 2026 at 12:19

      I was hoping you would not notice, Mary Lee. The temptation was beyond what I could reasonably resist.

      Delete

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