Home Again

I am a writer
Not good or great
Getting better
Long
Labyrinthine
Journey
Testament to the power
Of perseverance
Immobilized
Until he saw in me
Believed in me
Made me believe in self
Taking that first step
Inspired by lots of things
When not working
Or sleeping
I write
Sometimes only liking a word
Or a phrase
A sentence if I'm lucky
Already comfortable with rejection
Lots of it
Maybe someday when I'm dead
The impressive accolades
Will come in
Accumulating on the kitchen counter
With the Publishers Clearinghouse mailings
And last night's spaghetti and meatball dinner
Crusty on the plate
Hardened
Wonder if my agent is comfortable
Working with a dead person
Our journey begins and ends
In so many ways
Always having that soft spot for him
The one who believed in me
And was willing to
Take a chance
Against the existing odds
Languishing as I sleep
Yet I still read an occasional review
And smile
Knowing I refused to have
My dreams squashed
And a publisher cradles me
In her arms
Like the first time.