Validation

is the golden prize we seek,

like a peer review for technical matters

we yearn to see if our contemporaries value our work

and appreciate it.

Only they can understand

the emotional turmoil

we have bound up in the things we write,

and the stresses we have overcome

to deliver this final draft,

even though we are never happy with it ourselves,

and continue to edit and ‘improve’ the words

each time we re-read.

Sometimes we even lose sleep,

turning the words over in our mind

and wondering if there is a better way

to express the thoughts

embodied in the concept.

And though some comments may be hurtful,

there is often a nugget of constructive criticism

that will help us improve,

both with the poem in question,

and as a writer,

that helps us develop our skills,

and gives us an external insight.

So, I urge you,

please add comments;

praise where you think it’s due,

and kindly worded suggestions

that can be received

with grateful thanks,

even if unspoken.

Not all suggestions will be adopted,

but they will be considered

and treated on their merits

balanced against our own thoughts.

Above all, be prepared

to accept the views expressed

and use them to achieve

validation.