A poem is not a biography.
A collection of poems is not a biography.
In the right hands a poem is a compass
that leads the holder to a worthy goal.
A poem may be a clam
with a pearl of wisdom inside.
A poem may taste
like curdled milk on the tongue.
Some poems are mere shadows
for all the light and darkness they carry.
One poem contained my father’s obituary
read aloud by my mother.
A poem may be so cold
your tongue sticks to it when spoken
and requires a stranger’s warm breath
to free you without injury.
Poems are the pearly gates
and if you have not written any in your life
the angelic being labeled Devil
welcomes you to poetry appreciation classes.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 