How Can I Become A Poet? Poem by Denis Martindale

How can I become a poet… and enthral my readers, too,
So my heart and mind would know it… with every point of view?
And soul and spirit joined my quest… and rallied to my cause,
Perchance to do my utmost best… avoiding all known flaws?
Such that I pleased both God and Man… through each new poem penned,
With vision, dream, or scheme, or plan… from thoughts I comprehend?
I gaze in wonder at a page… no word has found its home
And ponder at this starting stage… praying for a poem…
God grant me favour in this hour… sweet rhymes of destiny,
Fantastic phrases, full of power… outrageous poetry…
With seasoned wisdom, mixed with grace… good humour now and then,
So smiles and smirks adorn each face… again and yet again…
Stir up the latent talent, Lord, release the crack in time…
Set forth the pages and afford… resplendent fashioned rhyme,
Then let me fly the skies above… to see what angels see,
That I may share their gift of love… that lives inside of me…
For I was born to write such thoughts… as one with great intent,
At home on Earth… and Heaven's Courts… from where all gifts are sent…
That I, by faith and faith alone… pick up the pen and hold,
Press on, press down and share what's known… and proved worth more than gold…
Else all is lost, distracted soon… delayed and cast aside…
Despite the light of sun and moon… new insights to confide…
For others, Lord, I pray this now… let me Your poet be…
If yes… to You, this day I vow… what treasures You will see…


Denis Martindale 17th of February 2020.