A way of life (you say you you are not a poet)
A way of life.
A not uncommon phrase.
But still, an *uncommon concept.
What is our *'way' of life?
What is my way of life?
Beyond the supposed-to-do,
Which is a way, pre-charted for you
By others, how does one live
Above and beyond, the day to day?
You say you are not a poet.
I say way.
I say you have chosen a life,
Where words are jewels, choices,
Public choices, to be very praised,
Kicked or worse,
Ignored.
That is a choice. Test is:
I have a way,
Of speaking in my voice,
Saying what I need to say.
I have chosen the way of a poet,
For better or worse.
Don't tell me you are not a poet!
You are out there, to be read.
Courage is not lacking.
You have a way of life.
It is distinguished,
It is dangerous.
Only the brave
Dare come this way.
Craft can be learned,
Courage, never.
Why do some of you deny being a poet?
Poetry is courage, not craft.
It's 1:00 am. It took me all night and five minutes to write this.
All night to conceive, five minutes to compose, and a lifetime to learn to have the courage to post it.
The craft will come, if the courage is steadfast.