Why Do People Write Poetry? Poem by Denis Martindale

Why do people write poetry? It's just because they can,
Such that they search for harmony, as through their lines they scan,
To find a certain savoir faire, a gentle phrase or two,
A word of wisdom they could share, or some truth that's brand new…
And there are poems in our dreams that cause us some concern,
From winsome tales to sad extremes, or lessons we could learn…
And even brand new songs as well may visit us in time,
To cast upon us such a spell that we recall each rhyme…
Then there are prophets for the Lord, with parables in store,
With visions not to be ignored, but shared from shore-to-shore,
Until the world itself is told of future things to be,
Like scrolls we hold and then unfold to see what we must see…

And so the generations come and slowly let us leave,
With poems, legacies for some, that they in time receive…
Yet poets have been known to laugh and giggle like the rest,
To take the much more common path, so readers may be blessed
With limericks and funny thoughts that children may enjoy…
Beyond statistics and reports that adults may employ…
For there's a measure of success, for millions or just one,
When poets share their happiness through poems that they've done,
When editing enriched their lines, enforcing every rhyme,
Just as a furnace gold refines until it looks sublime…
Then just like gold each poem brings its treasure troves within,
For lyrics that each singer sings, our hearts and minds to win…

To preach like Jesus bids us to, that people may be taught…
To reach and teach the chosen few with every golden thought…
For poets serve the whole world wide, uplifting when they can…
Each time they stop and then decide to help their fellow man…
When hymns transcend both time and space, to cross the centuries,
To set forth truths of utmost grace, forgiveness, mercy, peace…
Declaring promises divine, proclaiming power, too,
That God provides through every sign, like Easter poems do…
That's why I write and write and write, as servant, guide and friend…
That's why I write by day and night until my life must end…
To grant Mankind my legacy, my share of precious things,
Each time I preach of Calvary… and Christ, the King of Kings…


Denis Martindale March 2020.