A Modesty Proposal

"Be proud of what you've done, but don't look back. There's still plenty of work to do."
--

I like that quote. It's the exact way that I look at my art. When you get published... it's awesome. Enjoy it for about 2 minutes, then let it go. Think back on it when you're at your lowest, but other than that, keep moving forward. Keep working. Better your art.

Maya Angelou said that modesty was a terrible personality trait for writers of merit. I think that's a bunch of shit. There are too many narcissistic writers, artists, what-have-you. The last thing we need, aside from bullshit, is another asshole blowing it out on a regular basis.

Again... I ask you to be modest, despite your talent level. You do not know everything. And, more importantly, you have more work to do.

Time to shut up. Here's a poem.
_________________________________

Like Termites

If you give them the chance
And make the opening wide enough,

the poet's will come out
of the woodwork.

From patched roofs
to upscale coffee bars
with microphone functional,
they will come.

A field of dreams
for those the rest of humanity
fails to understand--

but were always curious about.

Those
who put down the books
and pick up the pens.

Those
lucky enough to lose their jobs
and worries along with it.

Those
With strong friendship
and family bonds
especially among themselves.

Those
with wine stained portfolios,
and the love of their lives
taging along--
never behind--
but right beside them.

Those
who have emerged from bookshelves
and books shops.

Those
who continue to live
though their gypsy hearts have given out.

Those
are the ones
who never leave.

And we know
who we
are.

 __________________________________

Yup...

~Torres