The Turning Point

In retrospect,
It was a major
Pivotal point
In my life.
I had been mostly
Drifting along
With the current,
Trying to keep
My head above water,
When I encountered
An irresistible crosscurrent
That swept me
In a totally unexpected
Direction.
It occurred for me
At a poetry reading
Over in Ojai, California.
It was there
That I first experienced
Poetry unencumbered
By the necessity of rhyme,
And was inspired
To try my hand
At the poetic vices.
Once unleashed,
I could not stop.
I found myself
Attending numerous
Other poetry events
Around the area,
And began doing
Volunteer readings
In some of the local
Retirement homes.
From that point forward,
My life became about
Refining my work
And getting it published.