WHY CAN'T I ?

Sometimes, when I hear or read great works

of beauty, love, or poignancy, I wonder,

Why can't I write like that ?

Why can't I write something so profound,

that those who read it might say,

'What depth ! What insight ! What wisdom !

What love and beauty this woman possesses !'

Why can't I write something so magnificent

with my usage of words, that it would evoke

passionate tears in the eyes of those who read it ?

That hearts would be filled with love,

understanding , compassion and gratitude

for their families, this country, and the rights

we all have, to worship (or not) as we please,

the privilege to vote for whomever we choose,

the right to love whomever we wish, to bring children

into this world (or not), and to teach them to

be good, kind and considerate of others, to

do well in school, and to become decent,

productive citizens.

Why can't I write of these things, of the joy

of a little baby taking his first steps,

uttering his first words, and watching him,

as he gazes in wonder at a tiny ant, struggling

to carry a heavy load, or a butterfly emerging

from its cocoon, or the look on his face, as

he touches, for the first time, the velvet

softness of a kitten ?

Why can't I convey my inner feelings

in what I write ; my innermost thoughts,

fears and aspirations...

Why can't I ?

This was written on Election Day,

November 2, 2004.

When I first started writing, years ago,

I thought it would be easy, and that

fame and fortune would come my way

some day. Well, I've since revised

my thinking, and realize that I'm not

a great writer, and, most likely will

never have the acclaim I thought

would come so easily .

So, I write for my own pleasure, and

that of my family. They seem to like

my meanderings, and give me lots of

pats on the back, and words of praise,

and now...for me, that's enough.

I have the love of some pretty

darned nice people...my kids,

grandkids and great-grandkids.

A few friends, also.

What more could I ask ?

I love you, my darlins' .

D