Something I Want To Say That Is Not A Poem Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

We are not poets because we win awards though I do not want to criticize people who do win awards and I wish them the happiness of that.

But there are many poets who never win anything or even get paid for what they write.

Being a poet cannot depend on such outward signs.

Being a poet means you are a poet in your soul.
whether you are acknowledged by others or not by awards,
honors, etc.

I do not mean to criticize those who win awards and it is often good because it helps them to publish more easily.

But being a poet does not depend on outward signs.

It is an inward thing.

Many poets never received awards of any kind or were paid for their work or applauded in any way.

This did not have anything to do with anything.

Please be comforted. you are a poet BECAUSE IT IS IN YOUR SOUL TO BE A POET.

IT IS NOT A THING TO BE VOTED ON.

IT ALREADY IS.

For those who win awards, I wish you the full happiness of that. But you should know poetry in the end is not a contest.
It is a way of life.

iT IS like breathing in and out.

BE HAPPY AS THE BIRDS IN THE TREES AND KNOW
YOU CAN SING ONLY FOR THE JOY OF SINGING

AND BE A SINGER.

AND YOU ARE.

ALREADY.

MARY ANGELA DOUGLAS

APRIL 30 2024