What does it take to be a Poet

by SnowCoveredMusefarmington, Maine, USA

Oct 2014 529 Views 5 comments

What does it take to be a Poet?

Today someone asked
me "what does it take to be a
poet?"

& I, feeling flippant,
(because I am wearing an
18th century dress
& think myself in love),

answer:

"determination,
talent, & the desire
to have your soul torn out
& printed upon the page."

(pause)

I even believe it, poet...

looking as I do
like an advertisement
for easy success-

sly smile on my lips
& ruby red slippers
from Oz.

Suppose
they saw me
my eyes
swollen like sponges,

my hand
shaking from betrayal,

my fear
rampant in the dark?

suppose
they saw
the fear
of never writing,

the fear
of being alone,

the fear of ...
the fear...
the fear...
the fear of
succumbing to fear?

(pause)

& then there's
all I did not say..

to be a poet
what you need
is....

something to say

something that
burns like a fire
smoldering in your gut.

something that
aches like desire
in your groin

& the courage
to love
like a wound
that never heals.

SAS

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted: Oct 2014

Post Comment

Comments (5)

WILDANDREADYMiami, Florida USAOct 24, 2014

YOU ARE SO RIGHT! IT'S A BURNING DESIRE! WHEN AN IDEA, GETS IN YOUR HEAD, YOU CANNOT REST, UNTIL YOU WRITE IT ALL, DOWN ON PAPER!

TRAVIS EXCELLENT POEM!

marikiaTbilisi, GeorgiaOct 25, 2014

"to be a poet
what you need
is....

something to say"

You've nailed it right on the spot: if you have something to say, either say, write, sing or paint it - anything will do as a means provided you have something, anything, to say! Quite a description of what it takes to be a poet, so eloquently spelled, so true down to the minute detail! Thank you very much for sharing, dear poetess!

niah9Auckland, New ZealandOct 25, 2014

well thought through and explained.....

Kathy

soulgoddessTokyo, Kanto JapanFeb 2, 2015

Dear poetess, I like your style. It really is a powerful write from you. Always a delight to read your craftsmanship.

godsprincessOwego, New York USANov 21, 2016

It is something that nags at you until you put it down on paper. Phrases running through your head constantly all the time. Pretty much what you said. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy