It’s Not Me, It’s You
~~~
Neither a writer nor poet laureate am I
My simple words lack the providence
Haphazardly strung together with little skill
No thread binding them beautifully
No theme or awaiting epiphanies
Nor characters or story lines
To stoke the reader’s imagination
Just flippant thoughts and ramblings
Spewed upon the page like a handful of sand
They bear no resounding countenance
And offer no great pearls of wisdom
Just simple words from an even simpler man
Put down by pen for lack of anywhere else to be
The act of letting them go
Just easier than holding them in
Place them not upon the pedestal
Reserved for those with the gift
No recognition or applause earned
For these small and unwarranted words
~~~
If you feel there is more
To that which is written
If some light shines brighter
Upon the reading of the text
If some insight is gained
Or some emotion revealed
I am not the source of those things
I am but a mirror with only reflection to offer
What you think you see in me
Comes only from what you have found in yourself
That alone is what deserves the praise and prominence
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
you sell yourself short, it is your gift. I do agree that we see our reflections in words and how we identify with them
Thank you Beth! Probably less a “gift” and just the result of being long practiced.
It’s impossible to offer a comment better than Beth’s, or to find poetry as enjoyable as yours. I always look forward to what you have to say. You do have the gift of making the reader look inside themselves to see how your words apply to them. This is one of my favorites!
Thanks Jim! I may wet the sand, but the reader builds the castle.
I like that analogy!
Touching and tender and, with credit where it belongs, talentedly written.
Thanks sis! Missing you, but feel your love!
You are too modest Brad. I really like that about you.
Thanks Geoff!
It isn’t that you manage to write something every day that’s impressive; it is the quality of your words.
Thanks Pete, that means a lot and I appreciate the kindness and support!
I love how you describe the ability of your readers to find pieces of themselves in your words. I admit that I have found myself many times through your poetry; however, there have been times when I haven’t and was still left wanting to reach through the screen and hug you. I know talent when I see it, and you, my dear Brad, are a wonderful poet and deserve to have your work held in as high of a regard as all of the other great poets I’ve read. I truly mean it. If you weren’t my friend, if I happened to just stumble across one of your poems in a book or on a website, I would have looked you up so I could read more from you. ❤
You are too kind, dear friend! But I truly appreciate all your love and support!
I’m only being honest. 😘
Brad this is heart wrenchingly beautiful. This piece expresses so lovely how modest you are. Yet your words themselves so lovely and perfectly arranged on this post show just how amazing an talented a writer you are. Sending you love my friend as always. ❤️🤗😘💝Jonikins
Thanks Jonikins!
My pleasure. ❤️🤗🦋