You read,

a poem,

Written by me.

I await your opinion

with a heart,

Full of suspense,

For in that poem is

A part of me

never seen before by you,

A cupboard hidden away,

locked, unopened by anyone

Until you read,

a poem,

Written by me.

Finally a response is it a

frown? No, just the

Beginnings of a grin, which

forms a smile.

You speak,

Unique,

Beautiful,

A different approach.

You have read

a poem,

Written by me.

I smile,

Thank you,

And think,

Unique? just something

poet's write about

all the time.

Beautiful? just words written on paper,

an emotional release,

an essential part of me,

like breathing.

A different approach? You have never

taken the time

to really think

about it before now.

I smile and think how

silly you are

For after all it is only

a poem,

Written by me.

Joanna Ballard - March 21, 1978