Poem: James Brown Hates My Poetry But “I Feel Good” About That Now

A poem that’s not about the Godfather of Soul, it’s about the Wellington poet that is borrowing his name.

Not the Godfather of Soul, just some
Wellington poet. So not the messiah,

just a very naughty boy. But he tore me
a new one when he read the old poems.

Told me I had nothing, and should quit.
So that’s what I did — for a bit. He really

put me off poetry — mostly his. But also
my own for a time. I re-read his remarks

and realise he helped me build a better
version of whatever it is I am trying to do.

I should probably thank him one day.
Does this count? It might have to.