Welcome to Cozy Poetry Corner by Debra A Winter (Richter)

(This piece reflects the long journey many writers face while hoping for recognition. After fifteen years of creating, learning, and growing, I’ve realized the real reward is simply showing up to write. Front page or not, the dream continues — and so do I.)

“Fifteen Years, and Still Dreaming”

Fifteen years, and never on the front page.

What do I need to do, quickly, age?

I write my poems and stories from my heart;

I’ve grown over the years and done my loving part.

But judges read and say it’s not good enough.

Why do these people need to be so rough?

Can’t the little guy get there even once-

to not feel small, like a little dunce?

Or is it the reviews that the judges use?

If they do, isn’t that writing abuse?

“This person has 250 friends, 200 reviews–

Oh, let’s pick that one. We can’t lose.”

“We can’t use this with only two reviews.

It was good; let’s not give them the news.”

Are the judges picking favorites and being fair?

We are supposed to be learning while we’re there.

Writing is a special gift; people do not sow.

But in time, all here, from seed, gradually grow.

Fifteen years of racking our brains fighting;

Trying to make something kind and delighting…

Hoping for the spotlight on the front page,

with one special write, written with no rage.

Will it ever happen? I do not know.

Will I ever be clapping? I sure hope so.

Yet I highly doubt it, from what I’ve seen.

For many of us, it’s only a dream.

We’ll just keep on plugging away;

maybe one write will surprise us someday.

For when the pages unglue that are stuck,

we’ll open our eyes, shake off the morning haze,

Even when life feels “blah” and slow,

we’ll keep on writing–it’s the thing we know.

Front page or not, you can bet I’ll still show up;

because my voice doesn’t need their trophy cup.

Someday the judges may finally see–

But until then, I’ll keep choosing me.