Conscious Imitation: Elizabeth Barrett Browning

A heart to whom to write this poem? No,
It would not be enough. Hearts will betray
Us in a moment; they defy decay
And then sputter out when they ought to glow.
A mind, for acclaim, would not suffice, so
Dependent upon banter of today.
Its inconsistent wit would fade away
And bored, the mind would change its mind and go.
The soul is satisfactory to use
But only if it would never sanction
The emptying of the heart’s or mind’s pews
Of their precious light and motivation.
The spirit presents an adequate muse
If growth is its only alteration.

“I assumed the burden of the profession, which is to write even when you don’t want to, don’t much like what you are writing, and aren’t writing particularly well.” --Agatha Christie

I think I'm kind of a wimp.