(The following is a post from a previous blog: written Oct 7, 2018)
Have you ever received a gift that had an obvious purpose, but you had a moment where you looked at it and wondered what you were supposed to do with it?
That is me right now at this juncture of my life, and 'the gift' is the poetry. My "hundreds of babies" as my sister called 'the gift', has definitely made a difference in the world I live in and I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference. And just because I am wondering what the purpose going forward is, I have no intention of stopping the creative flow. I am just debating my purpose... that's all.
Yesterday I started a new blog. I went back through the archives and pulled out twenty-two poems that I figured were generic enough to share in a public forum. By generic, I mean applicable and possibly inspirational to someone for whom it wasn't written for. A lot of my poems lately have been very specific, written for people to help them through a rough time, or just inspirational moments with a very focused subject. Those kind of poems go out to one or two people and don't make it into anthologies or publications.
I told my mom yesterday that starting a blog was much cheaper than writing another book, and she agreed with me. After all, she still has boxes of books left over from my first publishing adventure ten years ago.
I figure fifty might have something to do with my inquiry. I am getting older and now wondering how I am going to support myself in my aging years. Will the poetry help with that? I was asking myself and God that very question out in the hot tub this morning.
When I got back in the house, I pulled out my computer and went through my poetry archive file and found a list I made a few months back. At the time, I wanted to write down my advise to anyone who would ask me for poetry writing tips. No one has yet, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Then I asked myself: What if there is more to 'the gift' than just writing poetry? What if I could pass along more than just my poems, but help others to find 'the gift' within themselves. Poetry is a beautiful freedom. 'The gift' may be lying dormant in another soul and only needs to be encouraged to wake up.
So here is my list... my advise... my...
Passing along the Personal side of Poetry (edited July 25, 2021)
- Poetry doesn’t have to be published, but it can.
- Poetry doesn’t have to be vague, it can be personal.
- Poetry comes from your heart, not so much your mind.
- Poetry doesn’t require perfection in English skills, but a little brush up can’t hurt.
- Your poetry belongs to you, make it personal in message and style.
- Reading poetry written by someone else can be inspirational, but it’s not necessary to read it in order to write it yourself.
- The rules of creative writing don’t apply to poetry... (e.e. cummings was my inspiration for going outside of the box)
- Record your poems, date them and journal the thoughts that lead to writing them. This will be rewarding when you read them years later.
- Poetry doesn’t have to rhyme, but it can and it is fun when it does.
- “Write the dark stuff” Good advise from a fellow poet and friend. You may not feel safe to share it, but it can be healing to write it.
- Be prepared to change your mind and heart towards your poems... just don’t delete them. They are who you were.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for inspiration. The Creator is the best poet.
- Don’t let your theology restrict your poetry. I think its only a human flaw to be offended by honesty.
- Carry some recording device with you at all times. Inspiration comes when it wants to, not always on your schedule.
- Metaphors can be your friend. They are the life blood of most poetry.
- Inspiration is like a cat. It will come when it wants to, but doesn’t like to be forced.
- Poetry is not a lost art as long as it has not lost heart.
- It’s okay to borrow inspiration from other sources, just don’t forget to give credit where credit is due.
- Share your poems. You would be surprised at how many soft hearts are out there. A person can appreciate a poem, even if they don’t write them. Especially if is written with them in mind.
There is my list, for what it is worth. If you have an inner poet that wants to come out, don't be afraid to write. You just might be amazed at what emerges.
My favourite Robin Williams movie of all time is Dead Poet's Society. There is a scene in the movie that is incredibly inspirational for me as a poet. If you have seen the movie, you might remember, but take a look at the link, watch the scene and I will share my thoughts after...
Robin William's character Mr Keating gave his class an assignment to write an original work of poetry. Then they were told that they would have to present the poems orally in front of the class. Ethan's Hawke's character Todd Andersen was in panic mode. When it came time to present his poem, he hadn't written one. As I watched this scene again, what sticks out for me was one line.
"I think you have something inside of you that is worth a great deal"
Poetry brings out in me, that which I have always thought wasn't a great deal. Over the years, my soul has been exposed in the words I have written. That is 'the gift'. I have always been a poor communicator, and somewhere in my awkward communications skills, 'the gift' has blossomed.
I would hope that if there is something inside of you that is a GREAT DEAL... that you would be brave enough and adventuresome enough to find it and expose it. That will be your gift.
