Jim Slaughter Poet Free verse

The Responsibility of a Poet

Poetry is a reflection
Of our lives and our imagination,
And when he writes,
A poet should look hard
At what pleases him
And even harder at what doesn't.
He must be willing
To feel the emotions
That come from facing the world,
And his particular truths about it,
Unflinchingly.

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Bill Baker July 11, 2023 at 5:39 PM Excellent advice, Jim. A good description of a mindful poet. Write On! my friend. Bill Jim Slaughter July 12, 2023 at 11:13 AM Thanks, Bill...and don't "mind" if I do.

John Lawless July 10, 2023 at 4:49 PM "Don't write what you think they wanna read.....write what you want to/have to/need to/ must write....and accept the great responsibility that goes with being a poet Jim Slaughter July 11, 2023 at 9:57 AM Amen, John. Thank you.

Ilene Bauer July 10, 2023 at 2:38 PM well said, jim! i do sometimes flinch a bit when i write something i know won't be universally well-received, but then i decide that my "particular truth" is worth sticking by... Jim Slaughter July 11, 2023 at 9:56 AM Thanks, Ilene, and I know what you mean, but you know what "they" say about pleasing people...

Darlene De Beaulieu July 10, 2023 at 11:05 AM Hello Jim, I never know what will come from my pen. Only my ghost writer knews what will come from my pen. enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene\ Darlene De Beaulieu July 11, 2023 at 11:42 AM Hello Jim, Yes sometimes the old cerebellum kicks in. Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene\ Jim Slaughter July 10, 2023 at 12:12 PM Thanks, Darlene. I'm like that, too, when I start a piece. But somewhere along the way, the old cerebellum kicks in.

Jan Allison July 10, 2023 at 10:26 AM Wish words indeed Jim. i just write what pleases me especially silly humorous ones but i do some serious ones too, there is scope in soup for all styles of poetry and none is more superior than another its all down to personal opinion:-) hugs Jan xx Jim Slaughter July 10, 2023 at 12:13 PM Jan, thank you, and you're absolutely right. There's room for all here...or at least there seems to be.