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 
‘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’
I’m reflected in these words.
Thank you, Sudra! I am not sure there is anything nicer someone could say.
With that logic, couldn’t that be said of any writer? Are all the poems, stories, essays, and anything else you’ve ever read just your reflection?
And let’s say that is the case, that the reason we love another’s writing so much is because we see ourselves in them, doesn’t the writer deserve some credit for possessing the ability to show their readers their reflection through words?
I both agree and disagree with this logic, by the way. Humble to a fault is right…
😆❤
Remind me to never argue with you. You should have been a lawyer making a case like that. I love your perspective and would have to agree to a point. However, that logic would dictate that if you got all dolled up, did your make-up and your hair, and then looked in the mirror and was pleased with your efforts, then the mirror deserves some of the credit. Words and language are always a reflection of who we are, no matter the writer, but the beauty a reader finds they find for themselves. Maybe someday we can have this long philosophical discussion, but like you I can see both sides of this logic. That is what I find adorable about you. Your big. beautiful, open mind. Much, albeit humble, love to you, my friend! 💕🥰
Haha! I was simply trying to get you to see both sides of the coin, and you did. My work here is done. 😁
I disagree with your counterpoint, however. The mirror didn’t do anything except show me what was already there. Unlike you who put words together so beautifully, I am able to see myself in them. Now, when the mirror starts talking and tells me I’m the fairest of them all, I can give some credit to the mirror. 😉😘
I will say, perhaps, the inventor of the mirror deserves some credit for crafting an apparatus in which we can see ourselves. This I can go with.
Reflections of a true artist. Well said my friend!
Thank you, brother! Hope you are staying cool and inspired.
You’re welcome my brother! Staying cool, hopefully inspired. You too!
The last 4 lines~Brad, I appreciate your open heart and mind so much. My friend, I have no other way to share but I must (sorry it’s in such a beautiful post). I was diagnosed with cancer 11 days ago. I spent 5 nights in hospital. I have a rare tumor in my liver that spread to pancreas (very large mass). To my bones (my right skull), spine, hip, pelvis, two lymph nodes. I will meet with my oncologist Weds. family has been staying with me as without pain medicine it’s so painful! I know God has me! I will be hit and miss here on WP. But wanted you to know. Sending love and hugs my dear friend. Karla 💕💕🥰💛🙏🏻😘
And here I thought your absence was due to you being in such high demand. Thank you for letting me know. You will remain in my thoughts, as always. Stay strong and my email is on my contact page should you just need to talk to someone. I am fighting for you and with you and hope your prognosis will reveal a path to health. It is within our greatest trials that we find our greatest strength. Give Finn a hug for me and I send you my love and best wishes, dear Karla!
Thank you, Brad. I’ve been in this “new world” and it felt even stranger without writing and reading. Thank you for the love and support! Yes, I’ll go to your email so I have it. Finn feels the love too! 🙏🏻🙏🏻💕🥰🐶🐶😘
ah, artists are so humble and you are one, word artist.
Thanks, Beth! You’re the best!
I enjoyed reading this, even though I think you are far too humble to give yourself any credit for the inspiration you bring to us to, if you have it your way, at least be able to open our eyes to the reflection they offer. More oft than not, your words push against the light switch to turn it to the “on” position so that we can see what was in the dark before.
Thanks, sis! I love the light switch analogy. Don’t be surprised to see that metaphor down the road in something. Love you!
Creativity is a wondrous thing….
It can strike a chord or it can bring
Discordant notes to mess with minds
Depending on the company it finds.
Fabulous verse, mistermuse! Thank you!
Many of your readers disagree with the value of your words. It’s because you are touching something within your readers that we return each day.
Thanks, Pete!
Good work!
Thank you, Queen!