Seesaw Poem by Jim Boone

Poet up!
A woman said my poetry speaks
to her ‘silent parts’ and lifts her up.
A young man said if I can experience
all of that and own up to it, then he
wants to read more of my writing.

Poet down!
That poetry society says I’m a
‘very special poet – a vIP’. And
in recognition of my ‘great poetic
works’, I can attend their Vegas
convention in person for $800., or
$169. for $32. worth of ego boosters.

So what’s new? I didn’t start writing
because I was ‘on top of the world, ’
and if I did, that one true love became
untrue; those high hopes got shot down;
tenderness got tough and frustration
kept me on the move from place to place
or person to person.

So, what brings me to the threshold of ruin?
Press that playback button, listen and own-up;
open-up and listen again. Pickup that pad and
pen and start writing.

In the meantime, here’s a hand offering a
measure of balance and stability; poet talk
from other voices, expressed and unexpressed
affection and good will. Poet up! 2001