My friends don't even know me.
They really have no clue.
I don't say I write poetry.
Is it the same for you?
Does a poet always tell their friends
about their secret vice?
In passing I may say ''I write.''
but, I'll never tell them twice.
Do we like the ''cloak and dagger''?
Is it ''mystery'' that we seek?
Oh yes, I do write poetry...
but, it's a secret I shall keep.
It's time to quit being in the closet, Mary, and come out. Actually, I was retired from teaching before I ever just said simply, 'I am a poet.' Until then, it was simpler to say 'I am a teacher.' That's where I spent more of my day. I surprised even myself when I said (proudly) 'I am a poet.' And it is truer every day. Raynette
Nice one, Mary! Liked the meter and message. I am keeping my poetry efforts here pretty light, in case they are ever found or read by someone I know. Guess I'll need a secret identity if I ever submit anything more serious. -chuck
Nice one, Mary, and perhaps more serious than we think! Tell them just once - but ten to one in the future sometime, they'll come up with some deep 'other life' secret in themselves which they would never have told you without that - because it's that 'other life' that most everyone has buried - you know, what some people brush off with 'I'd like to write my autobiography sometime...' but never do...
Mary-Writers live a double life. I have been writing for many, many years and it is no longer a secret. I want you to know that I never get tired of reading your work. It is unique and I find I can relate so well to much of what you write. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with the world.
I know that feeling Mary, you tend to hide away in case they look at you real odd. Sincerely Ernestine
I totally relate to this poem. Poetry is the secret I cherish keeping to myself and sharing only through poemhunter with others who find themselves in the same predicament. Thank you Mary for sharing this. I thought I was weird :)
Another person just told me none of their friends know she writes. Most people that know me, know I don't like anything but cats, rock music and poetry, they then guess about the writing part.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Yes, yes and yes! Or is it fear of laying bare our heart and soul to those who may not understand, appreciate or accept what they see? A little of both, I think, but by all means don't let it stop you!