THERE ARE so many others that can start a loud stampede

of people running after them so that they all can read

the script of rhymes that fascinate their scrutinizing minds

to entertain emotions - emotions of all kinds.

But I am just a lonely poem buried here inside

a dusty book unsuited and unable to provide

a morsel of excitement to those readers I can't see.

They're browsing here, undoubtedly, on either side of me.

My words are like a dried up rose with bent and broken stem -

and that's why I'm a lonely poem, unlike the rest of them.

It's dark inside this dusty book.  Forever, I will stay -

yet wonder, will I ever see the sunny light of day?

Rejected, I'm compelled to cry, but that I can't condone,

because my ink would surely run and I'd still be alone.

So tears I hold.  I'm saddened so.  In loneliness I shout!

And I'll be stuck here up until they come and throw me out.

So when my prayers are answered and you read my story rhymes,

I pray that we can just be friends and see some good ol' times.

And though you will not see me smile, please know that I'll be glad.

and pray one day we'll find these times the best we've ever had.

But if, by chance, another poem's your fav'rite one instead,

I pray my words go with you when again, I go unread.

©2017 louis gander