Writing true to oneself is what I believe makes writing the best.And if you are true to yourself, others will see and appreciate that truth too. But we don't all love the same things and will not see and appreciate the same things in any given poem. So, write for yourself first, and all else will fall into place as it should...it is human nature to flock like the birds of a feather and a nonjudgemental heart to rise above those flocking. I love all the birds, but they all don't love me, lol, and that is the way it is..but this bird really enjoyed reading your poem and I thank you for sharing it.

oops!left a word out. should read: "...and it takes a nonjudgemental heart to rise above those flocking.

oh, I know this feeling and you've written it so well, I think my palms are sweating! And it's so true how validating reaching just one person can be (this is too often a lonely sport).

I have stood in front of people so long and said my piece that I've learned nuance between the polite applause and the clap of acceptance. It does feel good doesn't it.