Simply Put

• Alice Whitaker, Grade 12, Brisbane State High School -
• Poetry
• 2018

Excellence Award in the 'Write Along 2018' competition

Not written by a literary great,
A quality that tends to negate,
The merit of the written word,
Which can render a voice largely unheard.

We fawn over and preach and praise,
Works supposedly warranting a reader’s gaze,
But for the most part this is untrue,
If the words aren't understood by you.

When an author’s writing is too complex,
It kills the enjoyment of a text,
If they would only simplify,
Its quality I would not deny.

An unembellished piece can be first rate,
Despite the negativity we tend to associate,
So before you discard it at a mere glance,
Give that unknown author or plain paperback a chance.