Poetry

In Hiding

I avoid poets and the places where they lurk.
They frighten me. I don’t call myself a poet.
I just write poetry. At least I think I do.
Sometimes.
On a good day, when the white lightening strikes.

Serious poets are heavy about their poetry.
They’re tough right through, their edges sharp,
clearly defined. They make me feel
soft-centred, my edges vague and fuzzy.

When I’m with non-poetic people, I deprecate
my poetry: talk about it lightly,
with a half smile.
When I’m with proper poets I deprecate
the knitting hidden up my sleeve …

Jessie Bate

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