It *shouldn't* matter. But do what you are comfortable with. Which will cause you more stress, worrying about the impression you make with this poem, or writing another one?

They're probably about equal. And, I'm afraid that anything else I write isn't going to be as good, because my heart's just not in it. I can't really come up with any other topic I want to write about. That's where I'm really struggle. I'm currently trying to write about the cat. But it's just not all that much fun.

vw, I'd say turn it in. If it's good, he'll recognize that. If he's the type who wouldn't, best to know that now.

what if he's the *one* conservative prof on campus

Make the next poem a more conservative one and make him think the first one was you pandering to "that darned liberal slant" that's perceived to taint modern higher education. Then they'll realize you're adaptable.

I'm playing my classical playlist. Callas is singing. Mmm, La Divina ...

Turn in the one you've got, then. It'll be like an experiment.

Don't second guess, vw. Write what moves you and you think is good and let them respond to it. After all, the class is for YOU , the education is for YOUR use, and the truer you are to your impulses the more you will learn about them. You are in school to challenge and improve yourself, not to please professors you don't even know.

When we censor our honest feelings for fear of rocking boats we're not even sure are there, the terrorists have won.

Thank you for all the support everyone. I think I am going to turn it in. I may turn in a second too (since I'm already working on it), but I really do like it.

Hmph, now I'm rethinking myself. The Miss Manners voice in my head pointed out that a lot of honest feelings should just stay at home where the rest of the world won't have to get them on their shoes. Which is true.

Honest feelings in civil discourse. It's a good thing.