How Will I Create A Poem? Poem by Denis Martindale

How will I create a poem expressing who I am?
Do I go out upon a limb like I don't give a damn?
Or do I sit awhile and muse upon my past and more,
As if the very words I choose would be the final score?
I see much further than this life, to what I leave behind,
Beyond the setbacks, and the strife encountered by Mankind.
There's much more when a poet writes, or artists paint for frames,
Investing many days and nights, that having talent claims.
The shifting sands of time must move, and age must take its toll,
Yet all the while, can I improve, and thus maintain my role?
The portion that God gave to me may one day reach its end,
And when I face eternity, will I still be His friend?
Or just a servant in a crowd including great and small,
Someone amazing grace allowed, thanks to God's miracle?
To make the numbers up that day, just there through charity?
Just for the prayers, I chose to pray, not for my poetry?
How can I know the Lord's intent, for no-one understands?
Yet I know what Christ's love has meant, and leave things in God's hands.
That's why I write my poems out and share them far and wide,
To shield such hearts and minds from doubt, to let true faith abide.
And should I make some laugh or cry, I know why I still write,
As each new day perhaps I'll die, beholding Death's dark night.
So why not write a poem now? I've nothing much to lose.
Just press ahead and share somehow with Gentiles and with Jews.
To write for young and old as well, before I must depart,
Since I've got things still left to tell, and some are off the chart!

Denis Martindale. September 2020.