Notes About The Poem

This is inspired by ONE poet on this website,but I won't say which one!

Envy

I have come here to confess my deepest shame
Your wit, I admit, I more than admire-
It wakes me, it shakes, me, sets my brain on fire
I long to claim your fame, under my name

Your indelible intricacy I yearn to master
I strive for your heights in increasing pain
But all futile, this folly of inferior gain
No matter how fast I write, you write faster

Now you skip away as I struggle for breath
My purse is empty; you haven't spent a penny
Where is the end of this contemptible envy?
When my best is bested - what is left?

10/17/18

NOT for 'Seven Deadly Sins' contest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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

Cholt Avatar
May 29, 2019 at 6:36 PM
Envy, that green-eyed monster who leaves a trail of misery in his wake. Writing what truly comes from within is in my opinion the best way to proceed. Your poem is honest, direct and from the heart. People will always want to read poetry like this.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 3:02 PM
I was just listening to a sermon on envy (Joseph and his coat of many colors). What a great followup! GL in contest! A wonderful contender!
Faulkner Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 10:38 PM
Thanks, Kim, but since it is a different form it's not for the contest.
Kiser Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 11:55 AM
"When my best is bested - what is left?" There's always a better best! What muse receives from the great consciousness; it will give to you in the best way. Well penned.
Faulkner Avatar
October 21, 2018 at 12:44 AM
Thank you, and you are right, we do evolve, I guess this is about the growing pains-
Warrior Avatar
October 18, 2018 at 9:14 PM
It is not how you write, how you say it and its form...but that you have said it and the message delivered...we are all scribes of the divine...message received my friend...loved your verse Michelle...we are all 'ONE' fragmented into infinite pieces...love & light...^WW^
Faulkner Avatar
October 18, 2018 at 10:57 PM
Thank you for your beautiful comment, much appreciated!
Warrior Avatar
October 18, 2018 at 9:18 PM
...and A Fav too...
Wolf Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 8:10 PM
When you come before the 'Heavenly Court,' you will not be asked if your poetry matched Shakespeare's, Emily Dickinson's, Ogden Nash's, or e.e. cummings'. You will be asked simply, "Were you the best Michelle Faulkner that you could be?" No more, BUT no less! is expected of you...Wow, rereading this, I have got to apply it immediately to myself. (I am constantly comparing myself to a couple of P.S. poets, and I feel that I am not just falling short, but that the gap is growing ever-wider). :) gw
Wolf Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 9:24 PM
Yup. I sure know what you mean. We just gotta 'keep plugging.' :) gw
Faulkner Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 11:16 PM
Yes, I am trying not to compare, but with so much talent, it's hard not to feel a little envious!
Green Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 4:41 PM
What a fantastic piece of writing Michelle. And I can assure you, many of us experience this same thing and yes I suppose it is envy. But, no matter how we see ourselves, even the one you mentioned above, there will always be someone better and more prolific. (Though they might not ever realize it) Your poem is amazing and should do well in the contest.
Faulkner Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 11:14 PM
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Chris (although it actually isn't for the contest, since it is not the right form)
Mcferran Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 1:40 PM
This is brilliant, Michelle! So flawlessly expressed!! I know I am floored by other people's writing here sometimes... as they rattle off the most amazing stuff like it's nothing (while nearly everything I write takes a drawn-out mess of a process). BUT, you have no need of envy, your writing is incredible- as evidenced by this brutally honest piece! ;) Thank you for sharing (I needed this)!
Faulkner Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 1:52 PM
Thank you, Rhona, I admire your work too!
Krutsinger Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 1:25 PM
Beautifully written! We all feel similar feelings, but you have the bravado to write them down, for us to enjoy. My little Trixie muse is whistling in approval, and I would too except, dear friend, I have no idea how to whistle.
Faulkner Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 1:51 PM
'Don't know how to whistle - just put your lips together, and blow' - (not sure if that's the exact quote) but always happy for your comments, Caren!
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