For a while
even the word
poetry
made me flinch.
I had so many thoughts
swirling
in my head
but no courage to
put them down.
My cup and mind
runneth over,
and it's best to aim
the spillage at
paper (digital or otherwise).

It was a friend,
someone I trusted
whom I sent my poetry to.

I asked for her thoughts
and she responded,
"****"

And that was the best
advice I'd ever received.
Too bad it nearly broke me.