Apology To Walt Whitman Poem by Juan Olivarez

I never really cared, for your poetry style,
Though your words were eloquent.
But those words, never made me smile,
I just felt, you needed to vent.

But please don't think me harsh or cruel,
You, I would not choose to offend.
Please listen not, to the ramblings of a fool,
If somewhere your venerable ear, I happen to bend.

I've always preferred Poe my friend, though,
You said he appeared jaded to you.
In all honesty that may somehow be so,
But weren't you part of the same brew?

And I don't believe that Poe my friend,
Has been equaled yet.
And many follow your free verse trend,
A large movement, you have led.

But to each his own, you have your place,
In poetry's hall of fame.
And to follow your own is no disgrace,
After all what's in a name.