Honorable Mention

This poem received Honorable Mention recognition in the 29th Traditional Poetry Contest, January 2007.

"Honorable Mention"

I need attention just like I need air.
I look in my email but nothing is there.
Where are the kudos that once filled my box --
The people who wrote me, "You knocked off my socks"?

What are you reading from morning to night?
It seems all reviewers have dropped out of sight!
Hardly a poet, yet writing this verse,
I beg for your comments ere sorrows grow worse.

Weeping and sighing and wringing my hands,
I ponder the contests and all their demands.
Write one verse, backspace, then write it again;
I'm writing and rewriting nine times and ten.

I have such talent you must recognize
If only my writing gets viewed by your eyes.
Frustration mounts as I wait for the cheer
that says, "It's the best I have read in a year!"

Drop me a note if you read what I wrote,
A wordy review or a numeric vote.
Gift points are lovely, awardicons grand --
I'd like something flashy.  I don't care for bland.

I can be humble if kind things you say,
But honesty rules at the end of my day:
Not making money, I'm not on the shelf,
But I'm pretty great, if I say so myself!