(That is, a true-heart, natural-born writer)


     A writer who loves writing prose or poetry, or both, writes because a true writer MUST write. 

     A poet writes poetry, because a poet MUST write poetry.  A prose-writer writes prose because a writer must write.  So I would write poetry and prose, even if I knew no one would be reached by it; or even if I knew no one would ever read it.  Even if I myself could never read it.  Even if, as soon as a poem or a prose piece were written, it were tossed into a fire.

     But having said that, every word-loving writer--especially one with a poet's heart--also burns with the need to speak to other hearts and minds, and to share with them something from the deep inwardness that is meaningful and valuable to them.

     It is always good when people let me know that my writings, especially my poetry, touched them, or reached them, or even taught them--or otherwise meant something to them, and is valued by them. 

     The first great goal of a poet/writer is just to write. 

     The second great goal is to write it right. 

     The third great goal is to send it off in flight, in hopes that it may light inside some other heart, and give delight; or reach some other mind, and give insight; and to make that person's life more bright.

     I hope I have succeeded.  The comments you leave tell me if and when maybe I have.

     Thank you all.

                                                          Love,

                                                          --Michael LP, Mr. Poet