The Poet Reclaimed

This poem is a reworking of a poem I wrote in 2016 called The Pen Reclaimed. I enjoy revising old work. This was an enjoyable rewrite. This is not always the case! Interesting side-note is this was written during National Poetry Month of that year.

The Poet Reclaimed

Today, I realized
I am not who I thought -nor will I be tomorrow,
that which I so passionately sought

academic clothes never did
fit me at all-so I’m kicking off these
confining shoes, and heeding the call

needing no approval from literary rags
or acceptance from ruling editorial mags
or social media clicks, mentions, or swag

I hear the drumbeats, solo
my ears listen well, not sure where
it’s all leading or how far it will go

there are pitfalls to avoid to get
back to the beginning and the
joy I once employed-

abundant life and truths to defend
I’m listening close to the voice
on paper and pen I still depend

Unshackled poet, reclaimed,
set free, I write for one,
refusing conformity

freedom is found only when one
is not afraid to follow
the beat of the Master’s drum.

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Funny thing…this is an old poem revised. But as I searched for an image (so often a great way to provoke within interesting insights), I began to wonder about what is a poet. Do you consider yourself a poet? Why or why not? Could you be a poet and not know it, yet?

I challenge you to write a poem about what a poet is… jump in and spontaneously write. This is your invitation. What is a poet? GO!

Thanks for reading – I hope you will write a poem about what a poet is (or is not). Maybe I will share something to follow up. Stay tuned also for the Osprey follow up post! Happy creating!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

#nationalpoetrymonth