What should a lasting poem be, 
a rhyming verse or running free
Do only flowered phrases stand 
as tributes to those poets grand

Is use of common words too weak 
though that's the normal way we speak
Or should good verse articulate 
and use each word to exaggerate

What's recognized as valued art, 
who judges each poetic heart
Of things that's seen or felt or heard, 
to voice sensation when there is no word

An effort made to express a feeling
a salve to start emotions healing
Or tell the world just what is thought
and answers gave when none were sought

Still no one wants to be left out
to all the world their verses shout
Or whisper only from their soul
of life or love or growing old

Although few names 
will be etched in granite,
Poems continuously bloom 
from the "hearts" of this planet.
Tho' words may describe 
the same subjects and dreams
Each poet has different paddles, 
canoes, and cool streams.