Writing Poetry

Alas, I shall never be a Shakespeare, that's for sure.

I'm content to plug along and just remain obscure.

Some folks boast about the number of poems they concoct,

But the quality of their writes often leave me shocked!

Rather than quantity I truly strive for quality in my verse,

Hoping to enrich my readers, yet adding nothing to my purse.

If I have any poetic talent at all, I give Him all the thanks,

And am very content to remain in the anonymous ranks.

I write not for glory but to leave a legacy for my kith and kin.

If I can elicit emotions in my verse I'll remain content within.

When my poetical journey is o'er this can be etched upon my stone:

"Here lies a passionate poet who was content to be unknown!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Rigoler Avatar
August 8, 2016 at 4:09 PM
My sentiments, dear Robert. And, as always, beautifully written. In the course of centuries thousands of poets worldwide have remained unknown, so we're in good company. Happy that I read you today. / M
Laurie Avatar
April 11, 2016 at 1:46 AM
G'day Bob ... like artists, poets only get famous after they die, so Bob, we can continue to plod along happy for a very long time - Lindsay
Onclaud Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 1:12 PM
you sure elicit emotions, bob.. and never will you be obscure.. fine poet you are!..huggs
Amadore Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 8:09 PM
An honest and enjoyable and competent piece, Robert....I liked your message and I identify with your process (which closely parallels my own.) And, as a gratuitous aside, I, too, am an Air Force veteran (1961-1966).
Smith Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 6:46 PM
An excellent write Bob...a nice pace is welcome.
Hinshaw Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 7:11 PM
Thanks, Tim: I used to crank them out one after the other and looking back at some of my writes, I cringe at the quality - ha!
Turner Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 6:35 PM
I saw the error of my ways and slowed to a crawl myself. Love the write and the honesty, Bob. Peace Sir:):)
Hinshaw Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 7:12 PM
Thanks, Dan: What's the point in racking up a couple of thousand poems if there is no quality involved. I feel very strongly about this.l Best to you - bob
Allison Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 6:26 PM
Wonderfully penned Robert - I can relate to this so much although I have to admit I've been somewhat prolific since I started writing and posting in Feb 2014... I also now have an ambition to do a book of funny poems - for no other reason than to say I DID IT :-) hugs Jan xx7
Allison Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 7:16 PM
I try not to turf out poems for the sake of it Bob I do try to limit to 1 a day or more if contests are closing or I am particularly inspired lol - I prefer to get reads and at least 10 comments before posting a new poem:-) hugs jan xx
Hinshaw Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 7:14 PM
Thank you, Jan. You write quality stuff and I'd sure encourage you to put them in a book. I have 5 self- published books (2 in the Library of Congress) and published them primarily for my family as a lasting legacy for them - bob
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