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
Real Toads ~ Open Link Monday



Comments

Unknown said…
Very kewl write, yes write we must.... :)
September 10, 2012 at 1:46 AM
Anonymous said…
To Us, Poets!!! Wonderful write, Susie.
September 10, 2012 at 2:25 AM
Jinksy said…
That's a delightful idea - no poems for pennies, only satisfaction. ♥
September 10, 2012 at 3:20 AM
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.
September 10, 2012 at 4:02 AM
Mimi Foxmorton said…
Well spake!
And so true!

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

Have a beautiful day!

Mimi
September 10, 2012 at 6:02 AM
Janine Bollée said…
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.
September 10, 2012 at 8:21 AM
Grace said…
Lovely words Susie ~ Though I must say, words of appreciation are also needed to go on writing ~ Poetry is a lonely world ~
September 10, 2012 at 10:05 AM
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.
September 10, 2012 at 10:54 AM
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.
September 10, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Laurie Kolp said…
Wise, inspirational message here, Susie. Thank you!
September 10, 2012 at 1:52 PM
Anonymous said…
excellent and so very true
September 10, 2012 at 3:18 PM
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.
September 10, 2012 at 4:12 PM
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
September 10, 2012 at 5:45 PM
Mary B. Mansfield said…
Wonderful Susie, and so true! Love, love, love this!
September 10, 2012 at 5:49 PM
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.
September 10, 2012 at 6:34 PM
Margaret said…
Why indeed. My family can tell when I haven't had time to write... I get a bit cranky ;)
September 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM
Teresa said…
Beautiful poem. Truly we are compelled to write that which calls to us.
September 11, 2012 at 11:35 AM
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