Welcome Jbsmith .... poetry is as poetry does and it speaks to us all on one level or another.
The only way to get better is to write and post and learn from others. I am sure you will find a warm and loving poetic family here as we all have done and please don't be shy. Post away but do familiarize yourself with the posting policy as well. If you want comments you have to leave em too

.
JPiC Posting Policy
Again let me say
Mysty