Feedback (Poetry)

It isn’t the cash that I’m after
it isn’t the fame or reknown
the spotlight for me needs be softer
I can’t play the diva or clown

I’d just like to know what I’ve written
has touched on some other lost soul
and its sadness or sweetness once bitten
might soothe a real ache or make whole

It’s romantic and possibly silly
and I try to stay true to the game
for I don’t churn stuff out willy-nilly —
lots of lines that all sound much the same

They take my entire concentration —
what you see is a part of myself
torn free after long contemplation
and collecting the dust on my shelf

When published for others to ponder
feedback’s so rarely expressed
which leaves me, the poet, to wonder
at pleasure or pain barely guessed

I am not seeking blind adoration
or those ‘jolly good’ pats on the back
just encouragement or observation
of which there’s a positive lack

So I’m really not chasing the dollar
a poet’s not much of a job —
no pension, no perks or fur collar
three fans hardly make for a mob

A few comments or basic reactions
in simple response to my stuff
truly welcome as brief interactions
such attention is flattery enough