Write A Poem Poem by John Carter Brown

To anyone that's never written a poem,
My deepest sympathies go out to you,
For 'tis a pleasant pastime, and I'm sure that
Once started on the path, you'll never rue.

Just little things will soon produce ideas,
Odd words or phrases often will suggest
Another, and another, then your job is
To weave together those that seem the best.

But do not push too hard in the beginning,
And try to filter out from your mind's-ear
The hackneyed turn of phrase, the trite, the boring,
From these I recommend you to keep clear.

Originality is what to strive for,
A sideways look at things just may surprise,
So practise 'til you make your poem perfect
(or as near as can) And do not plagiarise.

You'll find your life the richer for the effort,
The time involved can rarely be mis-spent;
You'll double your vocabulary in no time
And learn just how, your feelings, to give vent.

My life was once bereft of all the pleasure
I now receive from poems great or small;
And you my friend can multiply this treasure
So, up with pen - I know you'll have a ball.

(Written July 2013)