Rejection

It’s the crushing feeling
when they turn you down 
Your hopes and dreams 
slip through your fingers 
crumble to the floor
until you end up staring
at the remnants of all 
you thought the future would hold

It’s the dismissal 
of your carefully thought-out words 
and gestures 
Those meaningful glances 
held no sway
The most poetic lines 
didn’t move their heart 

Gone is the hope 
Extinguished is the joy 
Their confession so blunt – 
You’re not what they’re looking for 
Someone else caught their eye 
and it might be true 
but it could be a lie

So, you sit analysing your every move
wondering  
if it’s merely 
because
you’re not good enough –  
perhaps you’re not what anyone is looking for

As you torture yourself 
and rehash every word of their rejection (again)… 
you remember 
the Publishing Industry is a real bitch

---

I was talking with a friend about publishing rejections recently. It’s super fun, right? However, if you’re discouraged, re-read the last line of this poem… it’s the industry that’s shit. Why? Because art is subjective. Don’t let rejection destroy your creativity. The Publishing Industry can be a real bitch. 💜

And yes, I hope you thought this poem was about a romantic relationship until the very end. I love a twisty poem 🦊