WHY DO POETS WRITE - h'work w/e 3.10.16

[Maureen K Clifford]

WHY DO POETS WRITE? ... Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBark Poet

As poets, I have found that we are such a diverse lot
we come from many countries, different places, other spots,
and write on many subjects, and we all have different views -
most obtain satisfaction and enjoy the things they do.
Sometimes poets have hissy fits, sometimes they lose the plot
and some. they have the will to win and others they do not.
Their concealed imperfections might be hidden 'neath their words -
but others couldn't give a toss and find it all absurd.

They don't care about rhythm and they care less about rhyme
and iambic feet just trip them up - they're wrong time after time,
and a sonnet doesn't cut it, whilst a ballad leaves them cold,
as for Tanka and Haiku, they think, best left in days of old.
We're more refined in subtle light, the softer shades of grey.
We use modern technology, gave typewriters away.
Some still use pen and pencil and write poems into books,
whilst others make it up on line - just like short order cooks.

The day may come - but it may not - who has a crystal ball?
One auction day, an auctioneers hammer will surely fall
to sell a leather bound and gilt edged tome of poetry
and on its spine emblazoned will be our name. So you see
perhaps that is why poets write - not just because they can
but rather, 'cause they have a dream - surely not just flim-flam,
their words might make a difference, their words might touch a heart,
their words might impart wisdom and set them quite apart.

Though history has proven many times across the years,
that few who have poetic bent are not beset by fears.
And sadly most just fade away into obscurity,
discovering that poetry won't bring security.
You might be famous once you die - your work may be revered
but make a motza whilst you live??? I'm very much a'feared
that disappointment will arise, should you pursue that path,
so write your poetry 'cause you can - ignore the aftermath.

[David Campbell]

Indeed, Maureen, we write because we can. You've summed it up nicely. And as for that "motza"...

Cheers
David

[Shelley Hansen]

What an original use of the prompts, Maureen! I really like that angle.

I especially like this line ...

whilst others make it up on line - just like short order cooks.

I have this vision of an apron-clad duo of Stephen and David at the Bunnings sausage sizzle .... "Would you like sauce or poetry with that?"

As for the "motza" - well, like David, I'm still waiting! An author friend of mine once said that if you make "cappuccino money" you're doing well!

Onward and upward ... let us write!

Cheers
Shelley

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you David and Shelley for your positive comments - suffice to say I have given up on my dream of funding a pink Porsche from my poetry profits.

[David Campbell]

Stephen? Hmmm...where did I put that stethoscope?

[Maureen K Clifford]

Apologies David - my senior moments are becoming more frequent