To Search For The Right Words Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

For me...
The writing of poetry has never come easily.
The doing of it requires strict concentration.
It takes both devotion and discipline.

First there is a picking of a topic.
And that is difficult to do from so many to choose.
To then decide upon which words to use,
That best isolates that feeling that comes.

To search for the right words and to keep a topic picked,
Kept with sustained interest before publicly submitting it...
For critics and others to accept 'or' dismiss,
One has to be prepared for misinterpreted feedback.

I compare the doing of this to an actor who learns a script.
For whatever the reason the mind decides to go blank.
And eyes begin to 'hopefully' find the right words.
Until the topic decides it is time to arrive!

'Absolutely splendid.
Even though your choice of word usage,
Was a bit scattered about 'and' misleading...
I knew 'immediately' your purpose.'

You did?

'Of course.
So effectively placed that dramatic pause.
How on Earth does one find the discipline,
To create such a breathtaking moment? '

Uh...

'And then to come right back,
To capture more interest in the topic?
As if to attack it...
With an awareness that brings clarity and definition.'

I am relieved you noticed.
At times I am not sure what I do works.
But my mind is 'never' that far away,
To stray meaninglessly in thoughts that wander.

'Brilliant.
That's all I can say.
Can that be taught?
Or is it something that just develops? '

For me...
The writing of poetry has never come easily.
The doing of it requires strict concentration.
It takes both devotion and discipline.

'I can tell.
The way you go about finding the right words,
To eventually make sense...
Is a remarkable undertaking that is not common.'

Uh...
Thank you?