I wrote this because I was really put down about something the substitute said about my poem. I knew that if my real teacher had been there, she would have understood. So here it is…

Poetry is about self expression

Filled with deep dark secrets disguised

Poetry is about explanation

And moments of surprise

Poetry is about the pain

That we've all gone through

Poetry isn't about being the same

But rather, true to you

Poetry shouldn't be about

Some senseless words of doubt

Because if that is what you do

You're being untrue to you

Poetry shouldn't hide

Who you really are

Poetry shouldn't be a lie

It shouldn't leave a scar

So when no one likes your poetry,

You shouldn't care an ounce

Just say "I wrote it just for me

And that's what really counts."