Circle of Life

I like the title and questioning theme that you have shared. I know and respect that poetry is extremely personal to some authors. I do not kick the servant of poetry - emotion - when he comes through the door. I court his favor and try to design a poem to suit the need. I do not have a resume list that reads from elbow to wrist. I only speak of what I've learned and applied to myself as a response to reading thousands of amateur poems in the last eight months. An interesting expression, for me, is unique. Thus cliche in phrasing is avoided by intent. Cliche can be well used as a poetic device by intent - certainly. Passion and craft is always the challenging mix.