I just had a book published, of poetry. My friend bought it, but says that he is afraid to read it because he thinks he'll either "not get it", "not like it", or "it will change the way he feels about me"... what the heck IS that. I mean, he buys the book, but then says all that. What kind of friend would use my art against me. We are just pals, nothing more. He is a guy I am a girl. I have had mutual friends who have read the book so now I am paranoid that maybe THEY feel that way. What do I do?

Bella

If you published a book there is no way you should feel insecure about it, you should be above that. Look what you have accomplished; feel good, revel in it, stick your nose in the air and just don't pay any attention to this guy. Maybe you could give us a sampling of one of your poems.

If you published a book there is no way you should feel insecure about it, you should be above that. Look what you have accomplished; feel good, revel in it, stick your nose in the air and just dont pay any attention to this guy. Maybe you could give us a sampling of one of your poems.

Thank you for your answer. I am not a stick my nose in the air kind of person, but maybe I should be. Here is a sample from the book, at your request:

"SISYPHEAN"

I am your laborer
To that, which never ends,
To love ne’er conquering
To tasks undoing.
I am your Cassandra
My foresight waning,
To your fulfillment
To your judgment.
I am your Nemesis
Speak unto me my casualty,
At the tip of my scales,
Damsel of humanity
And long lost retribution
I am your Sisyphus
Under stone
Under sea …