what writers say: a poem

writers all say the same thing—

that we’re
not in it for
the money
or
the fame
or
the accolades.

that we just want
to write something
people will
read,
enjoy,
and remember.

that we
don’t care about
being a best-seller
or
getting interviewed
or
earning reader reviews.

that we’re writing for ourselves
and no one else.

that we don’t care
if anyone else
likes or accepts or wants
the words we write.

but we do care.

no matter how tough,
or apathetic,
or impartial,
we may appear.

no matter how many times
we tell ourselves
none of it matters—

the sales get to us.
the reviews get to us.
the comments get to us.

but they’re the
important little lies
we tell ourselves
to keep the words a-comin’.

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This is a poem from my book bearing the burden of existence, available on Amazon.