Plath’s Path, By Brianrrs37 (AKA Brian James Rational Poet on FB/META and @Brianrrs37 on Twitter X)

The math’s not there for Plath’s path
For every poet to be in that class
But every poet can be a great poet

Even if they don’t gain the fame of Poe
“Unaccomplished” is an arrogant word
You’re cherry picking metrics convenient

To you. The NFL has 1,696 on the field
Millions of college players try to yield
Just as good as those who got in

Luck is being seen, not just work
And that luck is very rare for most

Even Poe died drunk and broke
Dead on the streets of Baltimore
You can write what you want

There are far more musicians
At your local bars, than Taylor stars
Whose music should be in concert halls

Music that will not reach the masses
Not because of lack of talent
But because they didn’t get spotted by an agent
(end)

FYI I think Taylor is talented even though I am not into her music.

This is my 3rd poem on this topic I think. I find it really arrogant for anyone to shit on someone who doesn’t have a book deal, or isn’t in an art gallery or didn’t make it to pro sports. I have seen too many talented people that will never get famous merely because they were not lucky enough to get noticed, who work just as hard as the people who did get to the top.

If you want to try to get to the top, GO FOR IT! Nobody will begrudge you for your success. But the fact remains that most people will not make it to the top. That should never mean you stop doing what you love. You might have to relegate it to a hobby, or a second job, and that is ok, that doesn’t mean you lack talent. It just means the road is hard and the math will never allow everyone to be on top all at the same time.

But you are all certainly capable of being great poets. No matter where you end up as a poet, NEVER STOP WRITING. Even if you never get famous someone will be moved by your work at some point. That moment is worth all the effort by itself.