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Distinct Ballet

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I've thrown my quill in quiet rage sometimes, when mocked by empty page. I read such vibrant poetry in awe, and ask how can this be? Fresh imagery splashed on the page with wisdom of the ancient sage, allusions from the well-read shelf with rhymes to please the Bard himself. Thus insecure, I feel defeat - believing I cannot compete. My words like sap from maple trees, I strain as others write with ease. Poetic thoughts freeze like a creek - why does my muse play hide and seek? Why grow downcast when I compare their gifts to mine - what gain is there? It's then I spot a butterfly and see my story flitting by, with wings unique and delicate, in colors bold and elegant. It draws the flower's nectar sweet and knows that it need not compete, for nature's bounty will abound - there's plenty there to go around. My double-helix DNA will dance its own distinct ballet, no other tale could I design, no other poet could write mine. So I retrieve neglected quill and vow to write again! I will share thoughts to fill another's cup with odes to hope, not giving up. If insecure, make this your creed: to learn from poets - read, read, read. Let thoughts ascend to soaring height to hone your craft then write, write, write! Wait patiently upon your muse to send fresh words to speak your views, for only YOU can speak what's there within your heart, your poet heart so rare. Written 19 May 2022

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 6/11/2022 2:11:00 PM
Your wisdom to read, read, read, I like. I like to read accomplished poets. Even quotes of wisdom get me going. Music is a must, too. Being aware of beauty in people, in the world, in friends or family makes a difference, John. You are a great poet. Panagiota
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John Watt
Date: 6/11/2022 11:37:00 PM
I love what you say about being aware of beauty! Seeing the good in people and drawing that out with encouraging words. Your comments are always treasured, my friend. You are too generous to call me a great poet, just a wandering minstrel. Yes, music is a must. Hugs ~ John
Date: 6/1/2022 5:59:00 PM
Dear John, such a beautiful poem - I feel like reading again and again! "It's then I spot a butterfly and see my story flitting by, with wings unique and delicate, in colors bold and elegant." - how elegantly delicate and pure and insightful lines! "If insecure, make this your creed: to learn from poets - read, read, read. Let thoughts ascend to soaring height to hone your craft then write, write, write" - so true. To my faves, John. Blessings ~ Mala
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John Watt
Date: 6/2/2022 9:47:00 AM
Mala, thank you very much for resonating with this writing, and giving me the honor of your fave and such a kind comment. I think of this as advice to myself when going through a slump, for I know I haven't arrived enough to offer advice to others. I am so blessed by your poetry friendship. Joy and light ~ John
Date: 5/26/2022 3:23:00 AM
I love, relate to and will keep this as a reference when I feel like you felt at the beginning of this poem and then by the end of it you had a masterpiece. Great wisdom in your thoughts and words my friend, and will I carry them around in case my muse doth befriend, Another. So well penned John, Kudos! Hugs, blessings, Jennifer.
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John Watt
Date: 5/26/2022 10:44:00 AM
Jenn, your poem "Dear Poetry Soup Friends" was in the back of my mind's recesses as I wrote this, with your great ending line "My muse just texted me, she is on a plane back home!" Yes, what is an easy flow on some days is like pulling teeth on other days. I appreciate your wonderful encouragement, my friend. Blessings and hugs ~ John
Date: 5/24/2022 11:40:00 AM
Amazing work, John, and a favorite for me! Wow, I really relate to the second stanza. I can't tell you how many time I stared at a blank page feeling defeated. Reading has also been the key to getting my pen moving, and I love the butterfly metaphor...truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing...Rhonda xx
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John Watt
Date: 5/24/2022 5:15:00 PM
Very grateful for your read and kind words (and fave), Rhonda. I imagine most of us have experienced that shut down of the muse's whisper and struggle with the dry spell that follows. I'm thankful for the community of friends here who encourage us not to give up ~ John
Date: 5/22/2022 1:10:00 AM
A fave, John. Some of us, who are aging cannot read that long anymore. Glasses only worsen the problem. I read like a fiend for years. Poetry, by the great poets is best for me. You are a masterpiece, John, Your Piet heart, so rare. Fantastic! Thanks for this gift of a write. Pangie
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:38:00 PM
Pangie, I love the classic poets, as I know you do. So many truths of humanity expressed with incomparable beauty. Why try to compete? Just write your own story in your own words and be true to yourself. Thanks for the visit and the fave, my friend. Hugs ~ John
Date: 5/21/2022 7:14:00 PM
John no greater advice than reading, read....the hammer falls upon the head and drives the nail much deeper....the toil eventually pays the dividends....there is no greater muse than our labor...spot on...loved it
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:31:00 PM
Timothy, thanks for the wonderful comment, and I quite agree... my writing improved vastly when I started reading poetry books like a madman, plus so many inspiring writers at this site!
Date: 5/21/2022 8:33:00 AM
So very beautiful John . Your words ring in harmony to your inner thoughts . Your heart has opened to YOU and there is nothing more sacred . Only you can express the beauty that lies within and your words dance across the page and take flight on the wings of butterflies!! I love this amazing expression of your mind and heart . You are so very talented… don’t ever doubt it . I find so much inspiration in your poems . Write on !! Hugs and blessings, Susan :)
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:34:00 PM
Thank you, dear friend. I receive your message loud and clear. For years I wrote only with my head, but it wasn't until I started listening to my heart that I really understood what it meant to write poetry. Blessed by your comment. Hugs ~ John
Date: 5/20/2022 11:13:00 AM
John - I don’t know how to begin to tell you how wonderful this poem is (as is your writing in general)! You questioning your talent is like Mozart or Van Gogh or Shakespeare himself having self-doubts! So glad you arrived at the perfect conclusion, with inspiring words for us all…
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:29:00 PM
Wow ilene, you set the bar pretty high for confidence-building comments! Thank you for the very generous input, you are a gem.
Date: 5/20/2022 10:17:00 AM
I think we all struggle with feeling inadequate when facing a blank page (or screen) and I love your imagery of the butterfly, so delicate and elegant (beautiful rhyme there) This reminds me of the famous quote, 'Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy Heart, and write' - not that you are in any way a fool!
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:26:00 PM
I think you're right about the struggle we all go through. There's no easy solution, but the simple message is don't give up. I love your quote and appreciate your kind, encouraging support.
Date: 5/20/2022 8:25:00 AM
Fabulous! Your poem speaks for us all, I am sure. You reveal such truth….how many times I sit down to write and feel filled with emptiness, no muse insight! You are an inspiration to every poet, leading the chant: “Yes You Can”. :)Paulette
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John Watt
Date: 5/22/2022 7:22:00 PM
"Yes You Can" would be a good alternate title for this one, Paulette. You drilled down right to the marrow of this message. Thank you for reading this so thoughtfully and for saying I am an inspiration - I think we all inspire one another. Hugs ~ John
Date: 5/20/2022 5:36:00 AM
WoW! John, I feel that way when I read your poems. You are such a gifted and talented poet. I found this to be uplifting and inspirational. You gave good advice as well. I echo what Milt and Tom said. I'm adding this to my fav collection. Have a nice day, my friend:-) Alexis
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John Watt
Date: 5/21/2022 11:49:00 PM
Aw, thank you Alexis, you are always so generous in your supportive comments. Thank you for taking time to read and uplift. Enjoy your weekend ~ John
Date: 5/20/2022 1:18:00 AM
So beautiful John, you are a fantastic poet and your muse it doth enthuse… Belle
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John Watt
Date: 5/21/2022 11:47:00 PM
Nice little rhyme there, madam Shakespeare, teehee. Thanks for the lovely visit and kind heart, Belle.
Date: 5/19/2022 11:52:00 PM
I hope your poem inspires my muse to come out of hiding for good, excellent ink John, thanks for sharing xx
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John Watt
Date: 5/21/2022 11:46:00 PM
Thank you Jan, I hope so too. I am so grateful for your friendship and kind support. Hugs ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 9:05:00 PM
Wow.... this is amazing poetry dear friend ! When your quill is capable of scripting such beautiful lines, why lament over your incapability! You excel most of the poets here .... ! Be thankful to God for your great ability and wield your pen to enrich this site more often !
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 10:31:00 PM
Valsa, how lovely to read your words of support and affinity tonight. I am indeed thankful to God for the many amazing and wonderful poets here who uplift each other and inspire with their golden pens. Blessings ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 7:41:00 PM
John, this is far and away the best poem I have read here in several days. Masterfully-crafted, it speaks to the heart and soul of every poet. This should be a P.O.T.D. A FAVE for me!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/19/2022 10:57:00 PM
I agree Milton
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 10:27:00 PM
Milton, you wow me with your words of affirmation. Thank you very much for the fave and the confidence boost. I know some may feel insecure when they compare themselves with others and I want to encourage them to write their story from the heart. Blessings ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 6:44:00 PM
Your third and fourth stanzas inspire those who may doubt their own creations John. I believe every poet may relate to your words. What a marvel and teacher you are John! This poem is going into my Faves my friend. I loved it! Beautifully expressed! Blessings xxoo
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 10:22:00 PM
Connie, you got right to the core of my heart's message - to encourage those who doubt the value of their talent or their creations. Thank you for the fave and for the wonderful care you put into understanding the soul of the poem. Blessings and hugs ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 4:18:00 PM
this is so lovely. Your muse just stepped right up and inspired you to write a fantastic poem. I love the ending you put on this ,John
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 5:44:00 PM
Could you tell that the "write, write, write" was inspired by your friend's advice? Thanks for the kind comment, Andrea.
Date: 5/19/2022 2:24:00 PM
No evidence here of a missing muse John, write on. Tom
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 5:45:00 PM
Write now, it seems to be going strong, Tom. Thanks for the visit ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 2:10:00 PM
This is a wonderful poem and you are a brilliant poet John. Cheers - Gary
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 5:46:00 PM
That means a great deal coming from a brilliant poet such as yourself. Thank you for the much appreciated words, Gary ~ John
Date: 5/19/2022 1:51:00 PM
We should never fret over feeling at a loss for words. They will come forth when they are meant to be written from the heart. Your poetry never displays that you lack for inspiration and imagery, John.
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John Watt
Date: 5/19/2022 2:06:00 PM
Thank you, Jenna. My muse disappeared for roughly 8 months last year, but I never feared it would someday return. I wrote this as an encouragement to writers who go through that phase, as many do. I always appreciate your visits and kind insights ~ John

Book: Shattered Sighs