A Convenient Excuse

I have come to a bitter conclusion
I’m not writing what editors want,
My rejections are coming in profusion
It’s clear I am not a poetry savant.
I fear my muse is sabotaging me
With insignificant verse and rhyme,
She recently started charging a fee
For more than three lines at a time.
I think I’ll give her the old heave ho
To strike out versifying on my own,
But I hate to kick her out the door
She’s good with a rare homophone.
Maybe I shouldn’t blame my muse
For when I’m inclined to boggle a line,
She provides a convenient excuse
Then she’ll give me a word that’s fine. 

Written June 22, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rodrigues Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 8:42 AM
The muse can have days where he/she climbs under covers, no peeking, sleeping, cannot be aroused. Sometimes it is days or a week. Yikes…don’t I know it!
Cook Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:29 AM
Sometimes we need critics to spur us to be better.
Hankins Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:53 AM
I believe that's absolutely true, Spirit. And, they do!
Krutsinger Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 2:17 AM
I hope that you have named this capitalistic genius of a muse "She recently started charging a fee For more than three lines at a time." Ha!
Hankins Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:53 AM
For goodness sakes, don't tell Trixie about this. I don't want to give her any ideas!!!
Hawkins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 8:35 PM
Thank you, MIlt; I enjoyed the read. My muse is not amusing me at this time, and I think I may have upset her as I got her gender wrong by referring to my muse as male!!! i Ignorance is bliss, lol.
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 8:55 PM
O well, she'll get over it, I'm sure, Shirley. Thanks for the note.
Ray Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 5:14 PM
know this feeling at times, line by line and echo of mine....i have solace tho when the flow becomes an overflow...which has made me appreciate the silence more...great poem on the subject
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 6:12 PM
Thank you so very much, Timothy, for your thoughts and your appreciation for my poem.
Mchattie Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 2:33 PM
Our muse gives us all a chance to peek behind the curtain. Embrace your muse... who knows where the road will lead. Have a great day my friend.
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 3:23 PM
Thank you so much, David, for this encouraging comment on my poem. I appreciate it.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace