Julie Ellinger Hunt sometimes writes about writing and always masters metaphor.

If I Were a Poet
By Julie Ellinger Hunt

If I were a poet,
I’d climb up the side of buildings
peering into windows
watching life happen in a frame

If I were a poet,
I’d fly above us
taking verbal snapshots
placing debris in cement boxes
placing words where they ought to go but haven’t.

If I were a poet,
I’d scribe the perfect sentiment you
have been waiting for but never receive
because you cannot read with eyes glued shut
in a dark room
holding a pillow to your face.

If I were a poet,
I would unpeel you
layer by layer
until you are naked and unafraid
longing for anything,
willing to accept my little words
on a flashing white screen.