A Poem

A poem need not be

ornate

or obscure.

It doesn’t have to stretch long

in tangled lines

borrowed from dictionaries.

And if you breathe one

into being, let it speak

plain and true.

Let it linger with the reader

like an old friend

familiar, returning.

A poem only asks

to be known

and felt.

Just as we do.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This one is so true, R. Please send a copy to The New Yorker. Even if they don't print it, they need to read it.

[Relic]

I rarely read the paper, but I know journalism is different than what it used to be. Thanks for the comment.

[Curly Grace]

Such a lovely reminder of what poetry really is at heart, honest, simple, and meant to be felt. Beautifully done.

[Relic]

Thank you for your nice comment, Curly. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Totally agree...a poem should reflect our emotions, light or dark, and it doesn't have have flowery words, just plain old honesty and truthfulness...; it can be very short or very long depending what's on your mind...
good advice!!!
Warmly, B

[Relic]

Thanks very much for the comment, Betty. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

You are very welcome!
Warmly, B

[Buddhistboy73]

Nicely expressed....:)

Poetry is a simple, yet deep form of expression in my humble opinion...

This pretty much sums up the idea and process behind it...

Thanks for sharing....

BB73

[Relic]

Much appreciated Budd. Thank you. :)

[Relic]

After trying to comment on one of your poems I found the site logged me out again. This has been happening a lot lately. I'll try again soon. Budd.

[Amy R]

There's beauty in the way you wrote this piece, it HOLDS TRUTH.
This is how poetry should always be, and I appreciate you sharing it with us,.
~Amy

[Relic]

Thank you, my friend. Much appreciated. :)

[Amy R]

You're welcome. 😊

[Vol]

Relic,
You know, everyone thinks poetry is difficult. I blame high school English teachers who make students write long analyses and then mark their papers as wrong... I told my kids I taught literature because I hate being wrong. With math, no matter how good you feel, how bright the sun is shining, or how much money you have in the bank, in your great excitement, you might declare that"TODAY, TWO PLUS TWO IS... FIVE!!! Nope, you're wrong... every time! With a good poem, you will find profound beauty when the sun shines and something entirely different and depressing in a thunderstorm... and you will be right both times! Poetry speaks new truths every time you read it.
Vol

[Relic]

Well said, Vol. Thanks for the review. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Tim, you make it sound so easy lol. This is so satisfying to read and your final stanza says it all. Happy new year to you. All the best.

Chris

[Relic]

Thanks Chris. Same here. :)

[BuzzyB]

Many times, I try long long words and verses and end up sounding contrived. Its best when a poem comes straight from the heart. Like this one. I loved it.

[Relic]

Much appreciated BizBee. Thanks.

[Thomas W Case]

This is a lovely reminder of why we write — clarity, honesty, and connection. The ending especially feels true and welcoming.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Thomas. :)