What Makes A Great Poet Great?

I met a poet full of grace, A poet full of love, Despite the wrinkles on his face And leathered skin so tough... His smiles were winsome to behold And when he shared his verse, His voice transformed his text to gold, With no need to rehearse... For he performed from memory, His audience enthralled, Now captive to his poetry, As verses were installed... Into their hearts, their minds, their souls, Their memories in turn, As if with words he gained controls, That caused each one to learn... Though poems came like birthday treats, He paced himself that day And though he was no Blake or Keats, He held them in his sway... And when they clapped, he gently bowed, Some even called him great, Yet to this day, I feel quite proud That he called me his mate... Denis Martindale June 2016.