Ph: Poetry Writing: To What Friends May Hear My Poems Poem by Brian Johnston

If you're 'friend' reading verse, who leaves comments at times,
Please don't think you're not valued if I don't respond
Right away (you're a poet)with praise for your rhymes,
Or at all, though you're dear, even here in this pond
Where strange folk offer praise that they hope to get back,
But if that is your price, is your loss such a lack?
But for you who discover my rhymes and return,
Democrat or Republican, readers of 'page, '
Who would let others in, those aspiring to learn,
May the world bless your children and spare you its rage,
And my words be a balm for the wounded, the worn,
All those lovers of beauty, who know rose means thorn.

I have pondered so long how to give and not ask
On the poetry sites that I want to support
But crave honesty too, and it's been quite a task.
May the powers that be please discuss this report!
Might remarks for a work sport some code, but not name,
For all comments, folks offer who don't seek more fame
A particular day! Let's use mail found on sites
For more personal touch than to advertise self!
Might all ratings go too, that more envy invites,
Should the popular poet be 'troll' or 'good elf? '
Let us celebrate poets whose poems get read
Not political creatures who need ego's fed!

Brian Johnston
4th of April 2019