ON BEING A POET

Some poets write with speed
As if trying to stay one step
Ahead of death

Some write with the precision
Of a tailor wanting each line
To be a perfect fit

Some poets toy with poems
Use each word as a building block
Some write hoping for a literary reputation
Some with the hope of luring a lover to bed

Recently a poet editor invited me
To submit a poem
On the topic of fame

I’d ask him for money
But long ago gave away my soul for free
Being a poet
I’m already a millionaire

  A.D. Winans