Comparisons

Sometimes when I read another’s poem and then I read my own, I think that my writing is too simple, too obvious. I think that I shouldn’t waste my $20 to enter a contest that I’m probably going to lose anyway because my writing isn’t deep enough, or it’s too concrete. It’s not award-worthy.

But then I think about my cousin who wrote a happy ending into his play because he didn’t like the way another story ended, and I realize that there are people like me who appreciate the simple things in life and root for happy endings too. It doesn’t need to be so complicated.

Sometimes when I read another’s writing, I think that maybe I can do that too, but why didn’t I think of that? Why don’t I have any great ideas?

But then I step outside and walk in the woods, and the words just come. And I write who I am.

I share my poem with my friends and family. They are touched by my words and moved to tears. I am rewarded with their thanks and praise. And it fills me up and gives me the courage to keep writing.

And then I pay the $20 and see what happens.