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If It Wasn't For Poetry

Poetry has always been with me, I just didn’t know it.
I didn’t know verse and lines of rhymes 
                                            were prayers of my heart
And how could a child who needed escape,
                                             know such feelings exist

All in good fun, with a jingle or two
                               I’d “ditty” my way through a party
They’d call upon me to liven the crowd
                                  Some humor to “jolly” the room

Yet later when loss had its lessons 
                            And words were my only true friend
I knew then that I was a poet, I knew then
                                                      how I understand

So now, with reflection so certain  
                                        Without hesitation or pause
I say with a fervent conviction
                       If it wasn’t for poetry, I wouldn't be me

Copyright © Mike Gentile | Year Posted 2023

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Paula Goldsmith Date: 12/6/2023 8:14:00 AM Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write again. Have a wonderful day with your win............... Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/8/2023 5:24:00 AM Thank you so much Paula xxoo

Tom Woody Date: 12/5/2023 6:59:00 PM It helps us work through all the emotions. Nice one Mike Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/6/2023 6:46:00 AM Thank you Tom!!

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 12/5/2023 9:54:00 AM - Congratulations on your first place in the "If it wasn't for poetry" poetry contest, Mike :) - Poetry soup the magical world of poems ... a journey through soul and heart :) - hugs Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:47:00 AM Anne-Lise, thank you so much!!

Silent One Date: 12/5/2023 8:40:00 AM I am glad you are you and poetry has helped you with that.. Thank you for taking part in the contest and congratulations on your first place. Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:45:00 AM I am thrilled that you like my poem Silent One!! Thank you so much!!!

Paula Goldsmith Date: 12/5/2023 7:42:00 AM I enjoyed reading your wonderful write/great ending. Have a wonderful day writing away................. Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:44:00 AM Thank you so much Paula!

Deb M Date: 12/5/2023 7:09:00 AM Utterly utterly beautiful Mike and in true Mike style straight from your kind sensitive heart! Debx Login to Reply

Tom Cunningham Date: 12/5/2023 6:03:00 AM I believe we are born poets without realising it and it's not until we have that epiphany moment that we suddenly realise that we are. Tom Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:44:00 AM I totally agree, thanks Tom!!

Charles Messina Date: 12/5/2023 5:12:00 AM Great write, Mike. Poetry has opened our hearts to a brand-new world. But MeThinks, we are what we are and have always been what we are. You were always you, my friend. Though, through words written, people really get to know the people we really are...so, best to let loose the goose and continue showing your love! Charlie Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:43:00 AM Thank you Charlie, a lover I am for sure!!!

Kim Rodrigues Date: 12/5/2023 4:58:00 AM The catharsis of poetry…such a wonder to express oneself and give tragedy and grief room to breathe and of course humor expressed. God bless you, Mike! Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 10:42:00 AM Thank you so much Kim!

Ink Empress Date: 12/5/2023 4:11:00 AM This is brilliant. I love how you’ve written for this prompt; i think silent one will love it too: I especially love the opening lines the most. So good. And how you’ve written “ Yet later when loss had … And words were my only true friend ..I knew then that I was a poet, I knew “ think many will resonate with that. BOL for the contest Login to Reply Mike Gentile Date: 12/5/2023 4:46:00 AM Ink Empress, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful worlds of support and encouragement! I really appreciate that! happy Tuesday xxoo