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The Poet Who Never Was

I thought I was a poet who had a pen of gold
With clear access to writing that was mature and bold.
I thought I could go roaming beside the foaming sea
And watch the seagulls gliding to give a show for free.

I thought I was a poet who walked along the beach
In awe I stood and wondered, my hand stretched out to reach
The silver thread dividing the water from the sky
And traced Selena’s features as slowly she went by. 

I thought I was a poet who knew what joy could be
On hearing water roaring cascading down with glee.
I looked for inspiration, experienced utmost thrill
When climbing down the valley or up the verdant hill.

I thought I was a poet in charge of heat and cold
But lost my true emotions when I was duped and told
I had to reach perfection to please my heart and mind
By means of imitation. My soul I left behind.

I thought I was a poet who had a pen of gold
But now all of a sudden I’m weary, frail and old.
I thought I was a poet. My pen is of no use.
With teary eyes I whisper to my dejected muse. 


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Contest: First Place Only
Sponsor: Laura Loo
Placed 1st ~ 18th June 2016

Contest: Any Poem #36
Sponsor: Poet Destroyer A
Placed 1st ~ 13th March 2016

Contest: Million Dollar Poem
Sponsor: Poet Destroyer A
Placed 1st  ~  13th June 2015
Chosen Poem of the day ~ 8th May 2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Aldana Avatar
July 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
• Enjoyable • Addictive Read • Entertaining • Congratulations • First Place • Perfectly Penned • Standing Ovation
Callus Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Thank you so very much Keyonda for the accolades which I humbly accept. Your generosity is appreciated. Pleased to have made your acquaintance. Regards // paul
Lane Avatar
May 5, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Seven pages of comments, Paul. Over 31k views, and 3 1st place wins. If that doesn't make you a poet, nothing will. You wrote this before I joined PS in October 2015. It's worthy of every accolade it received. Thank you for mentioning it in your comment to me...glad I got to read it. Hugs.
Callus Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Hi Lin...I'm afraid I must have missed your comment, so I apologise for no reply. Thank you for coming over to purposely read this poem, and for the lovely words which you attribute to it...you're very kind. Regards & Hugs // paul
Theraven Avatar
January 30, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Paul, Time has a way, showing us where we made mistakes. Yet old bones infused in watery broth lends well to the finest stock. -Richard
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Thank you Richard for coming back for a second read....I doubly appreciate that. Best regards // paul
Ben Saleh  Avatar
May 17, 2024 at 9:06 AM
Beautiful poem. You Sir are a sensitive poet with a golden heart and pen. Very well written.
Callus Avatar
May 18, 2024 at 1:26 PM
Thank you very much, Saleh, for your generous comments. Wishing you all the best // paul
Empress Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 9:59 PM
I love that refrain” i thought i was a poet” and the imagery here is so soft and seamless. Especially the silver thread line blew me away. I love your use of rhymes and flow of this poem is impeccable. Very well crafted. And i can see why this is one of the best poems ever. Well deserved
Callus Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 6:24 AM
Thank you for your visit and insightful comments, Ink Empress. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, especially after looking up your posts and seeing what you have on offer. ~ Best regards // paul
Ray Choudhury Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 3:32 PM
I feel fortunate to find this gem, Paul - I am touched by the hauntingly amazing lines of your poetic creation. "I thought I was a poet" - this recurring line is true for many of us, but you are a truly gifted one. Belated congratulations on this poem being included in "Hundred All-time Best" list. Warm wishes ~ Mala
Callus Avatar
December 17, 2022 at 11:01 AM
Thank you for stopping by with such lovely words, Mala. Sometimes we doubt ourselves, but there is no other way except 'forward'! Warm regards & happy weekend // paul
Mansfield Avatar
November 15, 2022 at 9:45 PM
What a beautiful poem and the words haunt me too. Fortunately I never listened to the person who berated me. Daughter of an English teacher, she spoke of the structure, tenet, timbre and techniques that go into writing a poem - or (said sneeringly) being a poet. That was 5 years ago and I still write in verse. I don’t call myself a poet. Others do. People who read my works are touched by it. Am I a poet? No. Do I write poems? Yes. Enjoy what you do, for you. Sharing is a bonus.
Callus Avatar
November 18, 2022 at 1:30 AM
Good morning and thank you for stopping by with encouraging & insightful comments, Thomas. I write for my own benefit, but am always willing to share and receive feedback. Many times, we have to take comments by armchair critics with a pinch of salt :) Regards // paul
Volumes Avatar
September 18, 2022 at 10:41 AM
I go back to read this when I need to lose myself in something inspirational, and always know I will find it in this piece of art. Today I realized that I have never commented. Paul it paints vivid pictures in my mind. Its always a pleasure to read. Thank you.
Callus Avatar
September 18, 2022 at 11:06 AM
It is my turn to thank you for your beautiful comments, Wendy! Your visit is truly appreciated. ~ Best regards // paul
Calasibetta Avatar
June 29, 2022 at 9:34 AM
Stunningly magnificent! I wish I had read this sooner.....I feel your poetry reflects the haunting echoes of all poets, of the sometimes drought for expression. I think that is a rarity for you. You always impress. :)Paulette
Callus Avatar
July 9, 2022 at 5:09 AM
Thank you for the insightful / complimentary feedback, Paulette. Always a pleasure to have you stopping by. Regards // paul
Lawrence Avatar
March 29, 2022 at 8:25 AM
Paul, I am reading this just now for the first time. Wonderful are the verses! I love" I thought I was a poet in charge of heat and cold But lost my true emotions when I was duped and told I had to reach perfection to please my heart and mind By means of imitation. My soul I left behind" Your soul is alive and well my friend! You express yourself with full color and vibrance and depth of emotion. so many wins with this poem. A much belated congratulations on all ! Hugs to you, Susan :)
Callus Avatar
May 21, 2022 at 5:03 AM
Hi Susan. I only realized today (by accident) that you had commented here. Thank you for the insightful feedback and congrats, my friend. Enjoy the weekend...hugs // paul
Jones Avatar
October 6, 2021 at 3:50 PM
What a fun read. It keeps winning, humble mood is endearing.
Callus Avatar
May 21, 2022 at 2:50 AM
Thank you, Karen. Pls excuse the very late reaction to your visit; lack of notifications has a lot to do with it. Have a lovely weekend // paul
Peck Avatar
September 4, 2021 at 8:23 PM
Such a lovely poem penned by a true poet And, your rhyme is perfect! A joy to read.
Callus Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 6:38 AM
It is a joy to read you lovely complimentry comments, Ann...thank you!! ~ Best regards // paul
Radice Avatar
August 31, 2021 at 2:41 PM
Judging by this wonderful work Paul "The Poet Who Never was" should read "The Poet who will always be."
Callus Avatar
September 1, 2021 at 1:16 AM
Thank you, Gary, for your lovely and encouraging comments....much appreciated. Regards // paul
Theraven Avatar
March 6, 2021 at 9:50 AM
Paul, I love this poem for the fine qualities the pen and poet possesses. Your reality resonates well, life's despair and all that it expresses. -Richard
Callus Avatar
March 10, 2021 at 6:06 AM
Thank you for the lovely feedback, Richard. Hope you're keeping well and safe. Regards // paul
Hankins Avatar
January 14, 2021 at 9:04 AM
An incredible beautiful work. This poem will be read, remembered, and quoted long after you have gone! Congratulations on all the recognitions!!!
Callus Avatar
January 17, 2021 at 8:06 AM
Thank you on all counts; your comments are truly appreciated. Best regards // paul
Roper Avatar
December 8, 2020 at 11:22 PM
I thought I was a poet, has a lot of great imagery plus its writers feelings. Hugs Eve
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2020 at 6:34 AM
Thank you so much, Eve. Pleased to have you checking out an old poem of mine:) Hugs // paul
Musarra Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 8:58 AM
This reminds me of the works of Robert Frost. Incredible!
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2020 at 1:52 PM
Thank you so much for all the complimentary comments, Stephanie! I am humbled by your generosity! Pleased to make your acquaintance. ~ Regards // paul
Musarra Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 8:55 AM
Breathtaking and beautiful!
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2020 at 1:58 PM
:) Thank you...
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 29, 2019 at 3:10 PM
Hello Paul Callus, this poem is beautiful. I enjoyed this poem. Have a nice day my fiend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 31, 2019 at 12:48 PM
Happy New Year Paul. I hope you had a good Christmas. Regards Darlene
Callus Avatar
December 30, 2019 at 8:24 AM
I am so pleased you enjoyed it, Charlene...thank you! All the best // paul
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:54 PM
Thank you, Susan. I love your comments :) Regards & Blessings // paul
Strempfl Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:53 PM
Enjoyable, relatable with some great wording and thought
Callus Avatar
December 30, 2019 at 8:24 AM
Thank you so much, Edmund; your words are most encouraging. Regards // paul
Jeavons Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 1:58 PM
I see why this poem won 3 contests! Great rhyme and cadence. Don't doubt your skill as a poet. Blessings, Susan
Callus Avatar
December 30, 2019 at 8:13 AM
Thank you, Susan. I love your comments :) Regards & Blessings // paul
Staton Avatar
November 19, 2019 at 10:40 PM
I liked the rhythm of this poem. A wonderful poem by a very talented poet. :)
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:26 PM
Your comments are very much appreciated, Valerie...thank you! Regards // paul
Marine Avatar
November 19, 2019 at 3:12 AM
I reckon that as a poet, you stand tall in a forest,a long-lived individual, with decades of "rings" of experience...dont ever " chop" yourself down as a poet - I'm so glad I read this today, Paul -sensitive soul that you are- honest and observant - your muse has aged gracefully, and as a mentor to young 'uns...stands tall! Warm regards, Aqua M.
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:25 PM
Thank you, Aqua...I love your complimentary comments...if you take a closer look you'll see that I'm growing wings:) Warm regards // paul
Ginesi Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 11:24 PM
Hello Paul. You are a really gifted poet, I liked the poem very much, I myself have posted 100 poems myself and realise the more work you do the better it gets. Poetry is an art form like painting it has to be admired to be enjoyed. All the best to you for the coming Christmas and thanks for this wonderful poem. John
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:09 PM
Hi John...I thought I had already replied to your comment, but I see that I have nothing to show for it! Thank you so much for your meaningful feedback; also pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul
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