Nancy L. Meek

FOR WADSWORTH

Poets drive the brain to think
with just so many words
‘bout hope, dreams and laughter
and even baby birds.

Sometimes the lines go on and on
and vary in their style.
Sometimes you pause and wonder
if this is worth your while.

Perhaps you’ll see your mother
or laugh at your own self.
Perhaps you’ll gain new wisdom
‘bout life, love and health.

Sometimes the words hold meaning
and you’d like to read some more.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter
and you line the bird cage floor.

But, oh, the poem that’s carried
in pocket or in purse
and copied till it’s blurry
and it’s hard to read the verse.

That poem is what they’re after,
the one that doesn’t stink,
the one that brings you laughter
or makes you stop and think.