Why I Don't Write Poetry

I don’t write poetry because I don’t know how
to connect with anything that really matters right now.

I don’t write poetry because my brain tightens up, even as I’m trying to get it loose
and in that state of mind whatever I write sounds far too obtuse.

I don’t write poetry because it requires a depth of feeling
that can hurt and leave me staring blankly up at the ceiling.

I don’t write poetry because I prefer to repress
feelings that real poets struggle to express.

I don’t write poetry because it requires me to admit
that much of my self image is really full of shit

I don’t write it, read it, see it, or feel it.
I put all my effort in trying to conceal it.

Still, sometimes when my feeling state safely submerges,
a poem from some weird place spontaneously emerges.

I do not willingly write poetry because it’s just too risky
I wouldn’t be writing this one if it wasn’t for the whiskey.