Another afternoon spent browsing at the bookstore, but not finding a single book of poetry that I could relate to…

1
I am jealous of the literary tone
the poet has achieved
on page after page
without faltering—
except for every now and then
for dramatic effect

My own poems
feel prosaic and pedestrian
in comparison
like toddlers
who are able to crawl around
but have not yet learned to walk

2
I am frustrated by the literary tone
the poet has achieved
on page after page
without faltering—
except for every now and then
for dramatic effect

Where is the genuine expression
of deeply held emotion?
Where is the attempt
to communicate with the reader?
What is all this language
and academic construction for?

Do they speak that way
with their friends, family, and co-workers
who can reply only with blank stares
or non-committal um-hmms,
then make fun of them
once they have left the room?

3
I want to read poems
I can relate to
that say exactly what’s on my mind
so that I know
someone else
feels that way too

(28 August 2017)