Clicking Send

Encouraged by a teacher I adored, I wrote a little poem at age nine. I don't remember writing any more till that same lady taught me in ninth grade. One day when we were talking at her desk, I saw a single laminated sheet. I took a closer look and realized the childish cursive on the page was mine. She'd saved "My Winter Poem" all those years and brought it as my gift. I almost cried. When, as a poet, I feel uninspired, I think of one who cared so long ago. ******************** Almost five decades later, I clicked "Send," and my first full-length manuscript took flight! I prayed and waited for a "Yea" or "Nay"-- “Not right for us” or “We will publish this”! Regardless of the outcome, I'd be glad I’d mustered courage for this first attempt. My memory of conquering the fear of clicking “Send” is vivid to this day. ******************** My book came out about four years ago. Commercially, it isn’t a success, but I have no regrets. My bucket list now lacks “Submit a full-length manuscript”! Date: November 25, 2020 Poetry Contest Title: What Have You Kicked Off Your Bucket List placed 1st Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke