Words (Of Advice For Neophyte)

If you are a poet You already know it, To words you forever are bound. Your brain has them in there. You must make them more clear. They are music without any sound. You didn't pick them, You cannot evict them. They just keep rolling around. They'll stay in your head. You can't put them to bed Until you have written them down. Not all unforgettable Nor even regrettable. Some are merely small puffs of steam To relieve the pressure In minuscule measure, Subtracting the milk from the cream. With checks of your spelling And on good grammar dwelling, Your talent will carry you through. Don't throw it away On the fads of the day. Old is sometimes better than new. Shortcuts used in texting Are in poetry vexing. It shows disrespect for the art. Big words aren't always better In your poem or letter. Familiar is best at the start. Someday you'll collect them And learn to connect them Into poetry making you proud. Poems don't come without working Nor with diligence shirking. You'll know when you read them aloud. written for Linda Marie's "Poem Panorama" contest tied for no. 3