The Poet

My fondest hope is that, if nothing else, I have been helpful in offering some perspective on life which causes others to take a second look at why and how they live. Today’s poem I humbly offer as something of a self portrait. It reflects what I daily pray I am accomplishing in some small way. If I am hitting the nail on the head, or otherwise of course, I’d love to hear from you. All you have to do is click on the email link to the left or drop me a line at frank@4-speed.com. In the mean time, and without further adieu, I submit the following poem for your perusal. May this be a day where you pause to wonder and seek truth wherever it may be found.

The Poet
A poet's gift is vision
with his soul as well as eyes
He sheds a light upon the truth
unveiling ancient lies
He looks for beauty where another
might not find it there
Yet, unafraid is he to show
the ugly and unfair
He is the champion of justice
shedding light where there is not
Defender of the underdog
and cherished values we forgot
He gives us words when we are speechless
and when we need a battle cry
He helps us see the world we live in
the lonely woods, the open sky
He stirs the hearts of patriots
sets free the beggar and slave
He reminds us of our heritage
recounting tales of the brave
The poet kindles in us passion
when we find it running out
He unlocks forgotten inner strength
in the faithful and devout
He reads between the lines of life
and helps the world to see
Not only what we overlook
but also, what could be
A poet is the looking glass
for all of human kind
Reflecting good and bad alike
and whatever he may find
He takes the simple truths of life
repainting them with words
So that people see what matters most
and what is simply absurd
So if he makes us stop and wonder
or question what is right and true
Then he has served us well enough
For he has changed our point of view
By Frank Carpenter ©