What's The Value Of A Poem? Poem by Denis Martindale

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What's the value of a poem once written by a kid,
Or one that's written on a whim that some poor poet did?
The value lies in truths revealed, both insights new and old,
Not in some sweet financial yield of silver coin or gold.
For money comes and money goes, yet every truth abides,
Far longer than each star that glows, as wisdom always guides.
To think that poets live and die yet leave their legacies,
Beyond their questions asking why and constant calls for peace.
And then there's love when sweethearts share, with promises galore,
And those who kneel to say a prayer to Christ, whom they adore,
And those who stir the hearts of men to courage not to fear,
And those who prophesy again of what must yet appear.
No wonder God loves poetry and likes it taught in schools,
With patterns there for all to see, their rhythms and their rules,
Their elegance of eloquence, with poems made to rhyme,
And students sharing with their friends how poets spent their time.
Investing in humanity the gift of poetry
Displays a certain chivalry to those with eyes to see.


Denis Martindale. March 2021.