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Why Do I Write

I write and I smile, I write and they nod, And yet, you still ask me why. I write to tell stories, I write to have fun, Must I tender a thoughtful reply? I have been in the grip of the darkness, Where courage is squeezed from your heart. Like a python constricting a rodent It seldom releases its mark! For now, I am free of this monster But I feel it, just outside my senses So I’ve chosen the vantage of poets No hypocrisy, no guile, no pretenses! For a poet sees rainbows on a dark rainy day, The raw truth is all that’s exacted. A poet sees life through the eyes of his God; White light through a prism refracted! I write, because out here the sun shines; Possibilities spread far and wide. Please, let me bask in the sunshine Lest I am dragged back inside! Why Do I Write? by Dean Wood

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Don Pettinelli

Date: 8/31/2017 6:33:00 PM

I love your poetry, it shows you have talent. I see imagination, good beginnings and endings and like me good use of rhyme. I am still learning something new everyday. I am a sustaining member of the Academy of American Poets. You are now one of my favorite poets on Poetrysoup.

Dean Wood
Date: 9/1/2017 8:46:00 AM

Don, I am flattered. Like you I am learning a lot just by reading others' work. I have tried a lot of new forms. In the end though "To thine own self be true" has won out. There are some forms I am just awkward at.

Andrew Walker

Date: 7/5/2017 11:12:00 PM

I decided to start writing more seriously because I needed an outlet for my racing thoughts. It forces me to organize the train-wreck in my head. The line "A poet sees life through the eyes of his God;" really struck me as it is how I feel. Great job!

Dean Wood
Date: 9/1/2017 8:44:00 AM

Thank you Andrew. It has really helped me. The challenge is to not write about too many dark subjects. I had to quit writing for a while and refocus on lighter material.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/5/2017 8:14:00 PM

wow, Dean, this is an amazing one both in craftsmanship and message. I love it. SEVEN

Dean Wood
Date: 5/5/2017 11:15:00 PM

Thank you Andrea. I am so glad you enjoyed it. - Dean

Becca Teagan

Date: 5/5/2017 9:37:00 AM

I love this, Dean! Nice insight on why you write.... I can see that it's a passion for you.

Dean Wood
Date: 5/5/2017 12:14:00 PM

Thank you Becca. Mercifully, it is not a desperate escape anymore. Just lots of fun! - Dean

Ilene Bauer

Date: 5/4/2017 4:16:00 PM

bask away, dean! we all write for our own reasons and i enjoyed reading about yours...

Dean Wood
Date: 5/4/2017 4:58:00 PM

Thanks Ilene. Writing is loads of fun. Getting comments makes it even richer. - Dean

Leo Larry Amadore

Date: 5/4/2017 1:58:00 PM

Well done, Dean! A cogent and informative explanation couched in an artistic, accomplished, and pleasing manner.,

Dean Wood
Date: 5/4/2017 2:05:00 PM

High praise Leo! Thank you. - Dean

Eye Truth-Teller

Date: 5/4/2017 1:48:00 PM

great poet

Dean Wood
Date: 5/4/2017 1:51:00 PM

Thank you so much!