Entitled

It sounds pretentious if I claim

The title of a poet.

Though people know I write in rhyme,

A whole lot more don’t know it.

 

If I am asked what job I do,

I say that I’m retired,

For teaching was my livelihood;

No details are required.

 

My poetry takes precedence

In my post-teaching years.

A poem a day is what I write,

Yet I’ve not changed careers.

 

If I had, I’d be a poet

And would say so if you asked.

Maybe in the recognition

Of my prowess, I’d have basked.

 

I’ll acknowledge it’s a hobby

Which takes up a lot of time

And within my soul, I’m proud

Of what I get to say in rhyme.

 

Yet, unlike the average doctor

Who must be addressed as such,

I’m uneasy using titles

Which don’t matter very much.