Ode to All Poetry

I don't need everlasting fame or undying gory.
I don't need people shouting my name and wanting to know me.
All I needed was a chance, an opportunity,
just a moment for myself to be expressed fully.
And that's what you've given to me.

I don't want pats on the back and useless chatter.
I don't want fake applause from people who don't matter.
All I wanted was real comments and helpful thoughts,
something that could build me up, make me better and steer me to the right course.
And that's what you've given to me.

And I thank you for that!

I thank you for allowing me to express myself,
for allowing me to let loose my inhibitions and embrace freedom instead.
I thank you for the other poets I've met,
critical, analytical, helpful and understanding,
they've encouraged me to dig deeper within and show the fire that's burning.
I thank you for all the growth and the development I've seen,
And for all that you've given to me