Poem: Debt of Gratitude by Mark Tulin

I have a long list

of critics and detractors

who know where to find me.

They know where my

weakness lives;

the address where I hang

my vulnerability.

I’m aware of their lack of love

and their snide remarks.

They are foolish

not to think that I can’t hear

their castigation.

Believe me, doubters,

I can smell your rejection

miles away

as you hide your head

in the soil of envy.

Your character assault

makes me more grateful

for the select few

who have me in their hearts.

If only one person

believed in me,

I still would feel

that my voice was heard

and that I could hold my head high.

With a debt of gratitude,

I acknowledge you

at the podium.

©️mft