They told me not to even try writing poetry.

"You're not intellectual enough,"

The wise and published ones said.

So I didn't try -- for too many years.

Then one wonderful day unforgettable,

Poems began to flow,

Poems that have warmed people,

Made them weep and laugh,

Enlightened, inspired, and in some cases,

Made them want to amend their lives.

Truly.

Take it from me then,

Don't ever let anyone convince you

To keep your words bottled up.

Express what you feel -- boldly.

That's all there is to style.

Isn't what you have to share

As valid as anybody else's?

So have your say.

If it's in your heart,

It will reach the heart of others.