A Poet Ought To Know It

Why can't I see in myself
  what others see in me

So busy comparing reality
  to some idealized version of me

A version of me from so long ago
  no one would recognize it now, so

Perhaps it's time to quash comparisons absurd
  to celebrate who I've become, as I pen each new word
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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

De Beaulieu Avatar
February 12, 2020 at 11:51 AM
Hello Gershon Wolf, yes it is time to celebrate yourself. Have a nice day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 13, 2020 at 1:02 PM
You are welcome,why not celebrate. Have a nice day my friend.
Wolf Avatar
February 12, 2020 at 2:40 PM
Thanks for supporting the celebration, fellow poet! Smiles, Gershon
Bush Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 8:41 PM
I love what ever version you are! Keep it coming.
Wolf Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 8:59 PM
Someone told me this poem registered all of .00000015 on the Richter scale. Hurray! 1st one of my poems wasn't in negative numbers! Yippee! ~ Celebrating
Somadas Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 6:53 AM
Why can't I see in myself? lol.. You never looked..A version of me.. I like the phrase.. I perceive it like you are Gershon 2.0 now.. lol.. Just joking.. Great thoughts and expression..
Wolf Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 1:42 PM
Gershon 2.0... Hmm. I sure haven't had too many upgrades before this one, I guess... or perhaps I had 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. LOL. Thanks, Jenish. ~ Gershon
Cunningham Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 4:01 AM
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, all we can do is our best. Let others decide but don't lose sleep over it. Tom
Wolf Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 1:52 PM
Just hope I never have to work for Gershon Wolf. He'd be a horrible boss for me! Smiles, Gershon
Buehler Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 9:26 PM
This is lovely poem, Gershon, which addresses a quite common behavior. It suggests not holding ourselves to impossible standards, because nobody's perfect. Poets should be like birds, who never find fault with their own songs, but belt them out with joy and confidence. In the words of Robert Frost-There must be something wrong in wanting to silence any song! Blessings :=)
Wolf Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 10:36 PM
Thank you so much for your in-depth comment, Evelyn. Love your analogy of poets to birds---esp. the Frost quote. He is one of my favorite poets, and that poem---that line---was one I used to require my high school students to memorize. You really hit home!! :) :) Warmest wishes, Gershon
Gauthier Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 9:15 PM
We can all relate, Gershon. Well penned.
Wolf Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 10:34 PM
At least we type-A's can relate. LOL. :) Gershon
Adams Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 8:54 PM
as most of us are, you are too hard on yourself...but they say we are our own worst critics... stop second guessing and write poetry... you fans love your poetic words... they call you poet and your words worthy... hugs :)
Wolf Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 8:59 PM
Sandra Adams, you are just too kind. Both versions of me thank you so, so much... OK, time to get back to 'work' and carry on now. Your comment is deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes, Gershon
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