This was written recently, in part, as a response to a comment from a new follower (Eileen @Laughter: Carbonated Grace). The first eight lines were modified only slightly with the word “pity” replacing “bless” in the first line. The additional lines were added upon reviewing the comment and not being able to contain myself. (Self-control has always presented me with a problem). For those of you who enjoy writing or reading poetry, may it come as a warning to you, hold on as tenaciously and for as long as you can to any gift you feel you may have, for one day it may fade into obscurity as most poetry does in this day and age.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the time you have with your talent,
Jake.
A Poet’s Lament
God pity the poet
for they have long passed their time
who can’t find the words
apropos to their rhyme.
Who struggle now greatly
in search of the phrase
that once tied the loose ends
in the most perfect of ways!
Who now wish upon stars
to return to the past
when the words, not the wine,
then flowed to the last.
When each day brought a gift
like none had before
but alas, has now closed,
the poet’s last door?
***
Jack Downing
July 2016
Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed, written consent of the author. JRD. 7/24/16
poemsandponderings 
Death of a poet – most sad.
Yeah, Poet’s lives matter too!!
In Minnesota, poetry seems to be alive and well. I’ve had many opportunities to have my poetry published in regional anthologies and other publications.
Congratulations Audrey. Well deserved honors I’m sure.
Ah, Jake, but you deserve honors, too, for continuing to write poetry that always causes us to pause and think.
Dear Jake, I can’t imagine your ever being stuck for words. I love your originality!
Thank you so much Denise for your flattery. It means a lot to me to hear that.
But alas, it is true
my rhymes appear through,
but, as I read this from you,
there then came a few
that I pondered then too,
and then as if, right on cue
has me now rhyming anew! lol
~Jake~