Sitting in a room full of people
All eagerly awaiting
The acclaimed poet-laureate
To read to us one of his many
Artfully crafted pieces.
His words are chosen with care ––
So much pain and joy in composing
Describing one or the other.
He forms his characters
Like modeling clay:
Carefully
Piece by piece
Layer by layer.
He softens rough edges by
Indenting, building up and caressing
Beloved features.
The poet stops,
Exhales exhausted.
His true feelings have been exposed.
For the world to be seen
Critiqued and appraised
Heard and applauded.
Loved by many
Mocked by some
Composed for eternity.
Arendt retired from Educational Testing Service. She now is a freelance writer. Her work has been published in small literary journals such as Art Ten Ways, TRANS-Lit, and several anthologies. She and her husband recently published their first booklet, “A Picture and a Poem.” Ulli is a volunteer at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. She enjoys opera, art shows, museums, and galleries, and loves to travel.
