She Asked Me Why- Why Not!

She asked a question, not so long ago-
a gal I met through our town's garden club.
"Why do you write so much- it seems a chore,
especially because it's not your job?"

So stunned I was that she put it this way!
It surely knocked the wind right out of me.
I should have said, "Why do you breathe each day,
and eat and drink, and do the things you must?"

You see, writers and poets cannot live
without creative ways to make words sing;
without the peace of having heart and soul
make images from thoughts that dwell inside.

An inborn drive that cannot be controlled
as words spin round and round until the pen
quickly transforms them on a waiting page
so that the thoughts can flow and come alive.

It can not be explained, but if it's there-
and most know from a young age it's a gift-
to be a slave to words and thoughts, just is;
writers and poets must be what they are.

Of course, I never told her all these things.
She wouldn't understand my heart's "why not."
So I just smiled and said, "Please pass the tea."
And, right on time, the speaker came on stage.

meaningfulpoetrypoetswritingblank verse

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Eve Roper

March 2, 2019 at 9:16 AM

Wow! Nicely done. Poetry has given me the gift of understand what my art work truly means, I am able to delve deeper into my work. As an artist yourself you might understand. Congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve ~`*

Sandra Haight

March 4, 2019 at 7:49 PM

Yes, indeed, Eve. Art and poetry are 'sister arts' and do support each other. I understand exactly as you do! Thank you so much for your wonderful visits and support...always appreciated. Hugs, Sandra

Anne-Lise Andresen

February 28, 2019 at 5:56 AM

- Poems means a lot for those who love it :) - Congratulations on your lovely win :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Sandra Haight

March 4, 2019 at 7:48 PM

Thank you very much, Anne-Lise. Hugs, Sandra

Silent One

February 28, 2019 at 5:26 AM

You are a great poet Sandra, who has written so many great poems.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

Sandra Haight

March 4, 2019 at 7:47 PM

Thank you so much, SO, for the uplifting comment and congrats. I enjoyed writing this new poem for your contest. Sandra

Gregory Richard Barden

February 25, 2019 at 11:59 PM

Oh, Dear Sandra, how lovely and meaningful this is to anyone who holds a pen for creativity's sake. I couldn't play guitar for a while, (or any instrument, for that matter - I play many), and my soul was deteriorating ... poetry emerged two years ago to save my sorry self, and I am so thankful. I can go back to music now, but I have this "bug" for good. You have represented us perfectly. Thank you and blessings - a fav for sure! (And I adore blank verse as it should be - clear meter). :-) <3

Sandra Haight

February 26, 2019 at 9:51 PM

Dear Greg, thank you so much for your visit and your very uplifting comments about my poem, and the fav. I believe that the talents of art, poetry, and music are often intertwined in a creative person and can be expressed simultaneously, or some stay dormant until awakened, as you now know since you've become such an outstanding poet here while your musical talents were on hold...and now your poetic muse is awakened for good! Thanks again for your much-appreciated support! Sandra <3

Lindsay Laurie

February 23, 2019 at 5:08 PM

G'day Sandra … sometimes there is no way to explain these things. How can you get somebody to understand that everything you observe is poetry - this verse you wrote has proved this - enjoyed your verse Sandra - Lindsay

Sandra Haight

February 25, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Thank you very much, Lindsay, for your empathetic and uplifting comment, and as a poet yourself, you surely get it. I appreciate your visit very much. Sandra