A Real Poet

hesitates before
inserting the comma,
considers an em-dash
or maybe ellipsis...

A Real Poet absorbs
everything, sucking in 
reality and piercing
that darkness with
an acrid spotlight 
until life itself oozes 
from her pores. 

A Real Poet casts 
off the dressing 
gown of propriety
to stand naked for
eyes to see, to 
absorb, to become 

A Real Poet standing 
forth, winnowing only 
to the call of posterity 
even that perhaps unable
to sway her choice.


Kenny A. Chaffin – 1/23/2008