To The Reader

Treat me gently dear reader.
May my meagre efforts to warm your ears suffice as a gift.
If Wordsworth-like phrases stride across the paper,
don't toss your chin or click your tongue;
if adjectives dare to contrive to paint a vivid picture,
don't let condemning eyebrows and wrinkled forehead
frighten my words to the corners of the sheet.
If, instead of me, you held this pen
would what flows from it be brighter, bolder, tastier
than that which I offer you to feed upon?

Treat me patiently dear reader.
Do not quake as a torrent of horsemen
blasts at you from the page. I strive to stir into life
phoenix-like memories asleep beneath your brow.
I frame forgotten feelings in a few phrases,
conjure fresh beats of delight in your breast,
take you on expeditions to undiscovered places,
make you shake hands with strangers.
I try to lure you line by line till I grant the reward
for your labours - a lump in your throat
or a smile on your lips
or an 'Ah!' of recognition
when you find yourself.