I'd like to thank the Academy, and the following, for being so instrumental to me being the Poet I am. :)

Damn fool crazy Muse gettin' the big head...dreaming big, perhaps?

The metal clamps, bright with purpose,
are eager to perform their given task;
to hold my poems tenderly, lovingly,
in the palms of their hands -
a temporary situation, I assure you.
When my book comes out, it will retire
until the next time it is needed ...
my trustworthy notebook has always been
there when I needed it to be, my friend,
I'm not going to abandon it now.

My computer has always jumped at the
chance to be turned on by my words,
and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention
its devotion to my talent.
Before my Muse runs out of the room,
it is she who came into my world
when it was least expected; it is she
who allowed me to hope again,
through uncertain times, she gave
me a reason to live.

And what about you, writers at Author's Den,
and Karen, my twin, my number one fan,
who gave me the chance to shine
like the Northern Lights or lightning
dancing in the sky?
The words I write are dedicated to you
with humble gratitude;
for you who stood by me and encouraged me
to be the best I could be - each of you are
my greatest inspirations.

2006, Karla Dorman.