Notes About The Poem

This is for my good friend John Watt, in honor of his birthday. all the quotes are titles of his poems - Happy Birthday, John!

The Wordsmith



He welds and melts, pours and molds
In his "Conversations with My Soul"
He smooths the rough steel of syllables
Into a "Portrait" graced by his "Play on Words"
Unrolling "Scenes from a Countryside" to "That Starry Night"
Whether "October Skies" or "In November" "Moonlight"
So, "If Ever I Don't Know"
which way my adjectives should go
when wandering "A Starry Galaxy"
I follow the "Sinuous Melody"
To cross the river and climb the boulder
While tapping "Gently on the Shoulder"

He finds summer in "A Piece of Winter"
As a friend, brother and mentor
He is welcoming, and when reading your poem
His comments are "To You Alone"
And if you come to say
"I Needed Wings Today"
He will weave lines in a "Distinct Ballet"
As if "It Came Upon a Prophecy"
And not from some stifled "Academy"

Dear John, please continue to "Compose"
Even when "Getting Old is Getting Old"
Without your gift
We are "Too Soon Bereft"
The "Verbal Miracles" you perform
Show how "All of Life is a Poem"

You have been my friend
my artistry sibling,
"And I Am Grateful".

12/20/23
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
May 7, 2024 at 10:46 AM
Michelle, you have a kind heart to compose a tribute like this. Just the idea that you would do this brings a smile to me right now. It's great to see one person supporting another! Ahhh...kindness!!
Wolf Avatar
January 21, 2024 at 7:50 PM
Bravo, Michelle! Encore for John's next birthday!
Bell Avatar
January 21, 2024 at 3:36 AM
I don't know who John is, but anyone who can inspire others always gets my vote.
Proxenos Avatar
January 6, 2024 at 4:20 AM
Hi Michelle your poem to john is breathtakingly expressive and I agree with you that his humanity and honest thoughts he entwines into his poems, are from the heart. You conveyed to us artfully and with intense thought his approach to poetry. Hugs and blessings Jennifer.
Goldsmith Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 10:34 AM
Congratulations on being on the "100 Best New Poems" list for Soup. A wonderful write/story for John with a great ending. "Love It" You both are wonderful writers... Have a great/wonderful day/2024 writing away.................
Ashley Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 9:03 AM
Dear Michelle, your ingenious use of rhymes and John's titles meld seamlessly into a masterwork of poetry and a beautiful tribute in honor of your poetry friendship with John. Indeed, he is a "Wordsmith" (perfect title!), a gifted poet and a grand inspiration. Your splendid pen gleams with poetic finesse, poignant artistry and shining gratitude. I admire and adore this tender and creative piece. A fav! Warmest wishes to you and yours for a Happy Holiday Season, my sweet friend.. ~Susan
La France Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 5:47 AM
Michelle, you have penned a very inspiring and beautiful poem in honor of John's birthday, love it, blessings
Leiser Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 7:39 PM
What a clever way to use John’s poem titles to truly express this special Wordsmith and friend, Michelle. I’m sure he will love this! :)
Nicole Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 7:22 PM
So sweet of you Michelle, to write this for John. He is a good friend, indeed. Your thoughts are so beautiful and tender. Happy birthday, John. :) Hugs, Brandy
Dietrich Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 9:08 AM
Great poem for an amazing guy. I wish I would hear from him more often. I don't think he posted much this year. Such a busy man.
Edmonds  Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 3:41 AM
A wonderful tribute poem to John on his birthday Michelle, so very thoughtful of you … Belle
Cunningham Avatar
December 20, 2023 at 8:26 PM
What a beautiful tribute to John, a fine poet and a gentleman. Hope you're keeping well Michelle. Have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year. Tom
Lane Avatar
December 20, 2023 at 8:14 PM
Michelle, John is certainly a poet worthy of such a tribute. This was no easy task and I see how touched John was by your wonderful poem. Kudos to both of you!
Watt Avatar
December 20, 2023 at 8:03 PM
Oh my stars and garters! You have wowed me beyond words, Michelle. What an honor to be so thoughtfully gifted with such an amazing quilt of poem titles, stitched together with the loving care and craft that you are so well known for. A thousand thousand thanks, dear friend. You have made my birthday so special. And I Am Grateful for you as well! Hugs ~ John
Hind Avatar
December 20, 2023 at 5:29 PM
I'll have to look him up. You sure did him justice. :)
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