With brilliant mind and steady pen,
I would bequeath what I could give
To inspire those who otherwise
Would barren die and fruitless live.

But I have not the brilliant mind
Of sages who have lived before.
Their thoughts and mine did not entwine,
Nor wisdom knock upon my door.

The words of poets I must ponder
'Til meanings of their verse I see,
But understanding comes with wonder--
Relation to reality.

So I have not but this crude verse
To share with those I would impel
Bestow upon mankind their skills
While on this earth they briefly dwell.

Copyright © 1997 by Randal A. Burd, Jr.

Publications: Marysville, CA: The Poets Edge Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1997

First Place, Spring 1997 Marguerite A. Sousa Memorial Poetry Competition, The Writers' Forum Press

Fourth Place, Fall 1997 Illiad Literary Awards, Cader Publishing

Author's Note: Poems viewed here are the latest versions and are not necessarily word-for-word as published.