do any here believe that perfect meter makes a poem
or perfect rhyme or perfect metaphor?
has no one ever told them a chateau is not a home?
a poem should show what it was written for –
it’s neither wind-up toy nor stand-in for a poor boy’s shrink –
a defrocked priest to hear a heathen’s sin –
so turn the taps full force and cleanse your ego in the sink;
the selfish gaze complete, you may begin.
before you lift a pen or type a letter on a screen
seek clarity of purpose, know your goal;
for vanity, I’d rather watch the strutting peacocks preen –
a poem is writing for your brother’s soul.
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The Classical Deinhardt 