Photo by Jami Garrison/iStockphoto
There’s a long list of those who encouraged me to write,
You, poets who inspired me, I have kept you in my sight.
Yes, I love your words and I will keep my eyes on you.
It began with Langston Hughes,
Edgar Guest and Maya Angelou!
It is you who encouraged me
to push on with all my might
And you who have inspired me to continue to write!
So here’s to all of the poets that have led the way:
…William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Gwendolyn Brooks, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, Nikki Giovanni, Antowne Fisher, Felecia Scott,
And for those of you who still have lots to say:
…Diane, Sabrina, William, Godwin, Hillary, Warren, Allison, Tamika,
Chuenee, Alicia, Shireen, Gloria, Joi, Jeffrey, Leslie, Sharon, Shawn…
Write on, sisters and brothers!
Write on to encourage others!
Write for what’s in you, others have to hear
Write, for you know you have a lot to share!
Write for in you lies a treasure chest.
Write the rest!
Write the best!
Write! Write! Write!
Don’t let those words die!
Write, Poets, Write!
From Finally copyright © 2004 by Rolanda T Pyle.
Rolanda T. Pyle, winner of Christian Storyteller website's 2008 award for Best Inspirational Poems for her book, Finally, has previously contributed "A Tribute to Daddy's Music," "Sing," "Will We Miss It?" and "Things May Seem Difficult Right Now" to these pages. She is also the publisher, editor and compiler of the inspirational collection, Beneath His Everlasting Wings. Find out more about Rolanda and her books on her website RoRo's Rainbow Communications.
We've come to the end of our 30 Days of Poetry, I extend my gratitude to all the poets and the artists who generously donated their work to make this journey possible. I've enjoyed meeting new poets (some brand new!) and welcoming old friends.
Rolanda's poem is the perfect note to exit on. This is what she tells us: don't wait for inspiration. Don't wait for recognition. Don't wait for encouragement. Don't wait until you have the time. Don't wait for payment. Don't wait for publication. Just write. Just write poetry. Just read poetry. Just love poetry. Just share poetry.
And remember that I am always happy to hear from you.