Tiny Copper Praise


We scribble our minds
upon white paper
selling our thoughts
for tiny copper praise.

It is a rare poet who can live by her pen.

Freely we surrender
our verses to be dissected,
appreciated or spurned.

The answer to why we write so often is “we must.”

It is the poet’s ear
that listens to the universe
to record its musings.

We may have pockets empty of change, but our wealth is in our words.



©Susie Clevenger 2012



Comments

Unknown said…
Very kewl write, yes write we must.... :)
Anonymous said…
To Us, Poets!!! Wonderful write, Susie.
Jinksy said…
That's a delightful idea - no poems for pennies, only satisfaction. ♥
Susan said…
Minds, ears and therefore "wealth in our words." Lovely! Your bold print is such a reality, your plain print is the process, so important to have that relationship with the universe! I read in the NYTimes in August that Argentina has pensions for writers--another area of "tiny copper praise" but also an acknowledgement that this art is important to a nation.
Mimi Foxmorton said…
Well spake!
And so true!

I've never heard another reason than: We must!

Have a beautiful day!

Mimi
We are in the clutches of some unseen but heartfelt taskmaster, which makes us do his bidding with words and thoughts as our tools.
The resulting catharsis is our payment.
Not too shabby then.
Grace said…
Lovely words Susie ~ Though I must say, words of appreciation are also needed to go on writing ~ Poetry is a lonely world ~
Kerry O'Connor said…
Such a topical write for bloggers! You ask the vital question: are we writing for the comments or because we are writers. Our wealth is in our words but sometimes it does feel like a bit of spare change.
Herotomost said…
Ohhhh yeahhh....you know how i dig refrains as structure...adds punch to already fabulous writing. I don't fin d it difficult to give up my words but often wonder if they really amount to anything. Getting comments form all the folks in our little world is more than enough I think but it would be cool to make a living at it. Great work Susie.
Laurie Kolp said…
Wise, inspirational message here, Susie. Thank you!
Anonymous said…
excellent and so very true
Peggy said…
Yes indeed. It is kind of a mystery why we keep on writing. I guess "because we must" is as good an answer as any.
Kay L. Davies said…
I can't imagine anyone deciding to make her/his living writing poetry, but poets still write.
Well done, Susie, very well done.
K
Wonderful Susie, and so true! Love, love, love this!
Serena said…
Yes, thank you for reminding me why we do this... because we must, it's the air we breathe and it is our wealth. There's nothing like the feeling I get when I write, when I lose myself in the mystery that prompts my pen... Well written.
Margaret said…
Why indeed. My family can tell when I haven't had time to write... I get a bit cranky ;)
Teresa said…
Beautiful poem. Truly we are compelled to write that which calls to us.