This poem sums up my thoughts about being a public poet. I always hope that my writing inspires or at least has some sort of effect on the readers. If it makes another person want to pick up a pen and write, then I’ve succeeded. If it makes someone feel a way they had not felt before, then it works. Poetry is the antidote to mindlessness.

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Writing a poem is a radical act

Every word pulled from frothy dreams

Ink on paper rolled into a bottle

Tossed into indifferent seas, adrift

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Writing a poem is a reckless act

A lit fuse hisses and smokes in a quarry

Until the explosion frees slags of stone

Fit to be carved into glorious poses

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Writing a poem is a hopeful act

And every poet is a secret optimist

Willing the world to change and grow

One line, one image, one word at a time

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A poem is a candle tipped wick to wick

As I share my light with you.

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