National Poetry Writing Month

I wish I could say
I built a solid habit,
consistency each day
devoted to writing and quiet,
and that I’ll maintain
the pattern from now on.

But sadly, creativity
is still regarded as
lack of productivity--
putting off Important Things,
a guilty stealth-activity
done when others aren’t looking.

So I wrote 30 poems
but life is the same;
despite my commitment
it’s still hard to proclaim
that this is a priority,
and I won’t feel shame
about duties undone
or sleep lost,
because creating is The Thing
that sets me aflame.