A Poet's Wish
Listen close, I want you to know,
my dearest wish before I go,
is not to be a posthumous poet!
So if you’d give praise? Let me know it.
As I write to satisfy my poetic drive,
praise that’s priceless when I’m alive,
means nothing, if and when I’m dead!
Accolades that you shower on my head
are what I appreciate and treasure,
So please, deny me not the pleasure
of offering me your congratulations,
if you enjoy my poetic perambulations?
Although receiving praise is not my purport,
I enjoy kind words, that lend their support,
for goodness knows, I get few enough!
Though writing rhymed poetry can be tough,
this is the genre found most suited for me,
being the one I use for writing poetry.
If on the day I’m asked to give cause
as to why, my ‘plaudits” are sparse? I’ll pause
before suggesting Rhyme, my cherished form
which was, in earlier times, the established norm,
is not so popular today. Erstwhile, Free
or Blank Verse, genres, not practised by me,
have attained accolades from devotees
and fans, who find such genres please.
On my final day, when I’m regarded “Late”,
my eulogy delivered in rhyme, I’d appreciate.
A short, sombre piece might beguile
mourners, if rendered in my chosen style,
that would suit the situation very well.
And strike a chord, but who can tell?
However, today I’m alive, wondering why
so few plaudits, in the short by and by,
seem to be awarded for rhymed poetry.
Is it a dislike of rhyme, or simply me?
Meanwhile, any comments you write,
provided they’re not insulting or trite,
encourage Rhymers to compose
more poetry in the rhyming prose.
For offering kind words is, as I’ve said,
far better now, than when we’re dead!
For these, as I have earlier stated,
helps this poet to write. When elated
I’m inspired to write more rhyming poetry.
I’m alive and as such, I enjoy a little flattery!
But as a “Posthumous Poet” I will never hear
a single word of praise or criticism, I fear.
Rhymer. September 1st, 2016.
Copyright © Denis Barter | Year Posted 2016
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