Poets whose hands are tied voices silenced Deviate from issues Tragedies that plague our hearts Others are free to read what appeals to them Why should we not write about concerns with strong implications I bow to the lovers who revel in nature’s beauty And the brave who write about their faith But there is more to consider issues that don’t make for easy reading Mankind’s inhumanity or a leader’s failures Take the challenge, tell us what is really on your mind Even if I don’t agree with what you say I’ll defend your right to say it It is a wordsmith’s duty Tell it like it is * October 15, 2020 For Beth Evans’ “A Poet’s Duty” contest