Poets Are Tough Enough!

Do You Think We Are Not Tough Enough? Poets and contests are not a strange mix. Though, winning or not, emotions play tricks. We are competitors, really quite buff. And “fighting” with words, can truly get tough. We might not be rough or want our knees scuffed. It might be true, with our hearts on sleeves fluffed We enter some contests hoping to win. Waiting with passion competing with friends. We might not like loss for fear of no fame. But all the same, it's a glorious game! How does one vie without wanting to cry? Fearing a loss when ones bests have been tried. Emotions and contests played as a sport. Tensely awaiting the judge's report. And if one has lost, are emotions chucked? Do poets think they are down on their luck? Nay! I say nay! Poets are not all fluff! We can take rejection; we're tough enough. Contenders are strong and not powder puffs! Sock it to us judges, our words your quaff. © Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen November 24, 2009 Dedicated to Poetrysoup judges who "suffer the agony" of picking winners where there are so many wonderful poet's entries.