Arete
Note: "Arete": Pronounced [ ahr-i-tey ]
Sometimes our best efforts go unnoticed
by everyone but ourselves.
We strive mightily to succeed and accomplish
something we think is important
and of value to others
that ultimately ends up in the proverbial wastelands
of unseen and unrecognized accomplishments.
Poets know this all too well
as we put in endless hours
of deep thought and effort
to mold a few letters and words together into
something never seen, heard, or experienced by another
to lift one's heart and soul up off the ground
or change or challenge a reader's perspective
on any number of the innumerable mysteries
and enigmas of life profound.
In sum, we strive to shed new light on those around.
Too often, however, our efforts fall far short
of those whose eyes we hope to entertain
and our endeavors appear to be all in vain.
But are they? While we may be writing
for the response and recognition of others,
above all, we should be writing for ourselves,
because at the end of the day, good writing
is an arduous, lonely and persnickety pursuit
towards happiness, self-satisfaction and improving
our own mental well-being and state of mind.
Writing builds character and helps us shine.
The ancient Greeks called it "Arete," meaning excellence,
or the extreme commitment to attain.
It's nothing new to poets or writers of any kind
or any other person who's dedicated
to being, doing and/or becoming the best
that they can possibly be
at whatever it is they're striving to achieve.
It's just a little something we would all do well
to remind ourselves from time to time.
When the recognition doesn't arrive
to fill our hearts and heads with pride
or obstacles stand in our way,
remember writing means more than what we say.
And blessed are they who think
in terms of Arete`.
Copyright © Terrell Martin | Year Posted 2023
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