The grass this side is brown, trust me

A brief look at what it really means to be a writer.

A story is a hard thing to write when you try,

a tough enough nut to get cracked, to be sure.

Many writers give up, and then break down and cry,

not sure it ever lives up to allure.

Not just anyone has it you see,

that certain way of looking at life,

no cheat-sheet, religion or skeleton key,

can console the root of their strife.

A story is a unique perspective,

told from someone else’s shoes,

it requires a penman who is defective,

and usually filled up with booze.

No, do not envy the writer,

can only tell you what what you already know,

instead walk a little bit lighter,

at least you’ve got some-place to go.

Author's Note

This poem is crafted as a thought-led narrative rather than flowing form; it is designed to sound like someone explaining in the pub what the lifestyle really means. While the narrator never talks about his profession derogatorily, he understands it's not an occupation for everyone, so is effectively saying writers are born writers.