Poets Point of View-- Letter To Myself

Is it words so hard to comprehend,
     That the poem lover, loves?
That a dictionary must be at hand,
     Just to find the wings of doves.
Do they long for words that seem to flow,
     Like the beat of jungle drums?
Or a circus ride, tossed to and fro,
     As their hunger's fed with crumbs.

Is it new ideas of a shattered man,
     That their soul is looking for?
Or a bridge so weak that it will not span,
     Life's great river, shore to shore.
Do they wish to hear the desperate cries,
     Of a world that's gone astray?
Is there truth their souls will recognize,
     When they read your words today?


THE POET is given a bell to chime;
     And you ought to use it well.
You cannot speak of the upward climb,
     While painting the gates of hell.
You're an instrument of truth, you see,
     There is strength within your words.
You can teach of our souls destiny,
     While creating wings of birds.

It's a high, courageous calling friend,
     And a noble one I'm sure.
If you do not care that there's souls to tend,
     Step aside from heaven's door.
For the people long for a light that guides,
     To a rhythm that will lift.
Catch the wind and sail life's restless tides,
     And be grateful for your gift.


This poem was written in 1987 to serve as a reminder to myself of the kind of 
poet that I wish to be. I know that it is hard to reach these goals, but, they 
are goals that I always want to have. I strive to be led by God's light in my 
writing and I read this poem quite often.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Lindley Avatar
September 20, 2015 at 8:04 AM
My friend, I am blessed this morn to have found this magnificent poem! I too write to help and inspire others. I write about life,love, loss, evil, darkness , death, light, redemption and hope. Some of that comes from my younger life and mistakes I made. Poetry is a vehicle to share and to help others. We should write with that in mind IMHO. Great poem.. A7
Nehls Avatar
September 23, 2015 at 6:05 AM
Hi Robert. I hope you are doing well and life is good. I have not heard any more about your poem being set to music and I hope that when it is finished that we will be able to hear it. It truly is an honor for a famous musician want to use your work. Thanks for reading this poem again. I'm glad you enjoyed it.... Robert.
Deschler Avatar
January 15, 2015 at 9:22 PM
It is a wonderful thing to be a poet who can brighten someone's day with their words. We all want to do that, but sometimes there are just sad days when nothing can come from our pens except tears. Those kinds of poems can be helpful to some, as well... I love how you've expressed your feelings so beautifully here. Your words are very encouraging to us all. Well done, my friend!
Nehls Avatar
January 17, 2015 at 3:15 PM
Thanks again, Kelly. you are absolutely right about some dark poems. There are some positive messages that must be presented in a dark setting. Not only to help the writer come to a better understanding of the subject, but also to help the reader look at it through another perspective and through another's eyes. You are very intuitive, my friend and I appreciate you comments.... Robert.
Adams Avatar
January 7, 2015 at 7:07 AM
Amen. And Amen. Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way) says that your gift (talent) is God's gift to you. And, that the use of that gift is your gift back to God. I am grateful that you did not ignore your gift.
Nehls Avatar
January 7, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Hello again, Cona. I can see that you understand and agree with this poem. I guess I should look into The Artist Way. I agree with you, God's gifts are to be used for the enlightenment of others. It is also such a wonderful feeling to share. We are God's servant..... Thank you my friend.... Robert.
A   Avatar
August 24, 2014 at 11:39 AM
Robert:) Thank you for the nice reply on my comment <3 LINDA
Romaine Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 3:05 PM
Hey Robert, congratulations on your poem being featured this week. So wonderfully written and inspiring for us all. (please check out my poem "To All Our Poets True if you get a chance) I do consider you a Poet True! Neva
A   Avatar
August 6, 2014 at 9:27 PM
Hi Robert,, Congratulations!!! :) On having your poem featured this week. Stopping by to say hi, and greet almost every poem, on the Poetry Soup's home page. Enjoy having your poem for all to read. Always & Forever ~LINDA~
Nehls Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 5:15 AM
You are a busy girl, Linda. Thanks for being you, my friend.... Robert.
Clark Avatar
August 4, 2014 at 4:05 AM
Congratulations, Robert, on having this marvelous work being selected for this current week! A wonderful write! Jack C
Nehls Avatar
August 4, 2014 at 1:50 PM
Thanks, Jack, always nice to hear from you. Take care my friend..... Robert.
Allison Avatar
August 2, 2014 at 6:50 AM
Incredibly uplifting and inspirational poem Robert. My poetry journey only began this year after my husband's cancer surgery. I am not a particularly religious person BUT I do believe it is down to something more than fate that I am posting here and my creativity has been unleashed - I must have been hiding my light for many years! I too set myself goals not only in my writing but in my life too. Hugs Jan xxxx
Allison Avatar
August 4, 2014 at 1:54 PM
I have to agree with you Robert. I believe this 'gift' was sent to me for a purpose it is only now that I understand how important the timing was and how my life has changed dramatically as a result of my writing. Hugs as ever Jan xxx
Nehls Avatar
August 4, 2014 at 1:48 PM
You are a good person, Jan and I am happy that I have come to know you through your poems and comments. I believe God uses us to influence others in a positive way and I believe that he knows when the time is right for us to do that. I believe the time is right for you, my friend.... Robert.
A   Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 2:34 PM
anytime :)
A   Avatar
July 28, 2014 at 8:32 PM
Robert, thanks for the reply
Nehls Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 1:48 AM
You are welcome, my dear.... Robert.
Gibson Avatar
July 28, 2014 at 2:13 PM
This is beautiful, Robert...both the message and the way you wrote it. Something to which I aspire.
Nehls Avatar
July 28, 2014 at 5:22 PM
I look forward to your comments, Faye, thank you very much. I thought you might like this one, my friend...... Robert.
A   Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 6:40 PM
You are a delight to read Robert, I'm hoping you reached your goal. I myself was young and writing at 87... Have not met my goals. I enjoyed this letter to yourself... thanks for sharing the gift... linda
Nehls Avatar
July 28, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Well, thank you my dear Linda, for your delightful comments. I am trying to live by those goals and will keep trying until God takes me. I started writing in 1966 but there were some songs and poetry that did not set well with my soul and therefore in 1987 I decided to write this poem and do my best. Glad you liked it, my friend..Robert.
Dietrich Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 5:27 PM
Your words are beautiful and you ARE reaching that goal you set for yourself. Every day you come here, Robert.
Nehls Avatar
July 28, 2014 at 6:00 AM
Thank you for your very kind words, Andrea. You are always encouraging and I truly appreciate it.... Robert.
Andresen Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 2:49 PM
- Robert, we do not always have answers to the question of what our mission in life, what we should do here on Earth. - We live in utter darkness as to who we are and why we are here, and yet we know that it must have a meaning and goals - Enjoy reading your letter. - Wish you a great weekend. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Thank you so much, Anne Lise. I'm glad you read and enjoyed this one. Yes, I believe that setting a goal for our soul evolution is important, and then striving to reach those goals while helping others is so very important. Staying on track is not always easy and that is why I have reminders such as this poem. I look forward to your kind words and insight, my friend.... Robert.
Christensen Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 2:40 PM
I truly enjoyed this! I thi
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 8:52 AM
I'm happy you liked this one, Gry. .... Robert.
Lindley Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 11:01 AM
You write eloquently and serve your Muse so very well. I commented on Robert Gruhn's poem Poem for Certain Critics. There I asked what is more important, the spirit ,the message in a poem or the ever sought(by some very rigidly) for perfect technique. And when does that quest hurt poetry and poets.
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 8:51 AM
Thanks, Robert. You always have wonderful and insightful words to say in your comments and I look forward to them. I believe, that often times, when technique is the goal the message that was meant to come across is obscured and not able to flow into the readers heart. God has given us the gift of poetry and I cannot take that lightly. I believe you follow that same path, my friend.... Robert.
Lindley Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 11:01 AM
For to date there has never been an absolutely perfect poem! Only one man was ever perfect and he did not write poetry.Perfection by man in anything can only come after he dies and receives it by way of Salvation from Christ. Bravo, courage precedes honor.
Kendrick Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 9:08 AM
Enjoyed reading your poem to yourself..It is good to write words that will touch another soul and inspire, uplift, encourage or just show a better way..Thanks for dropping by..Sara
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 8:36 AM
You seem to follow the same road, Sara. Thanks so much for your comments and encouragement. I always look forward to your comments, my friend..... Robert.
Callus Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 8:03 AM
In other words....can't serve both God and the devil all in one go....there is a choice to be made. I know from your writes that you have made your choice and are sticking to it! Very good poem, Robert. // paul
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 8:33 AM
I'm glad you liked this one, Paul. There is too much inner turmoil when serving both. I appreciate your kind words, my friend.... Robert.
Smith Avatar
July 26, 2014 at 7:53 AM
Beautiful reminder, dear Robert.. Reading your poetry, seems you have always been true to follow your calling... Hugs.. Arlene
Nehls Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 8:28 AM
Thank you so much, Arlene, for those very kind words. And thanks for reading this one, my friend.... Robert.
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