I call myself a writer
But that's not strictly true, is it?

I could call myself an artist
But I might be confused with the

Painters
Sculptors
Musicians
Singers
Composers
Woodcarvers
And such in this world

So, if I call myself an artist
And then narrow it to writer
Is that what I am?

Not necessarily
I could call myself a word-painter

Is this just another term for writer?
Or is a catch-phrase for...obsessive?

I call myself a writer
For that is what I am

But do I dare confine myself
In this one category?

Yes, there are many types of writers
But many types of artists beside

I am more than just a word-painter
I am a dreamer, too

And in dreams, I am more than any one word
Or two, that is whispered from the mouth

Furtively, quietly, afraid of reproach
Another poor, starving artist to fill the streets
And apartment buildings
And publishing houses

I call myself a writer
Because I am, but also because
It's so much simpler this way