I Don’t Need Poetry

I don't need poetry, Unless it taps on my window at night, I open the door, to see, But it's only the wind in flight. I don't need poetry, Until it slips from my sight, When I lower my eyes, it takes to the skies, Spreading wings in the fading light. I don't need poetry, I say that with the best intent, I pull it back when it's cold in my hands, A truth I never meant. I don't need poetry, Unless it curves up on the edge, Where the heaviest words get caught in the spin, In the silence where they’re wedged. I don't need poetry, Until it’s something I can't ignore, When it’s quiet, and I pretend it’s gone, It’s knocking again at my door. I don’t need poetry, But it whispers through the cracks, It’s the voice in the wind, the wings that ascend, Extending the space I lack. I don't need poetry, I say that with the best intent, I pull it back when it's cold in my hands, A truth I never meant. I don't need poetry, Unless it curves up on the edge, Where the heaviest words get caught in the spin, In the silence where they’re wedged. But I need poetry, like I need a small white dove, Bringing its olive branch again, Hovering over with its gift of love, To garnish the silver platter beneath my chin. I don't need poetry, I say that with the best intent, I pull it back when it's cold in my hands, A truth I never meant. I don't need poetry, Unless it curves up on the edge, Where the heaviest words get caught in the spin, In the silence where they’re wedged. C. G. Em. D. C. G. Em. G. (X 4) Oh, oh, oh ay oh oh oh... (etc)