To a Reader new to Poetry - Feb. 6, 2023

I apologize if you’re looking

for campfire stories

and not this twisted art

of over-the-top descriptions

and mirroring metaphors

every poet wants

a rapt reader a syllabic

sleuth to follow the clues

and unravel the mystery

you can still read it by the fire

but you must listen between words

in the pauses of breath

and licks of flame

try to feel the slow knit

of something

and the warmth it

leaves you at the end

perhaps never knowing

it was a hand warmer

stocking cap

or a sweater

tailor made for you