To help explain my love of poetry, I’ll open with the first poem I’ve ever written. I couldn’t tell you when exactly I wrote it (at least 10-12 years ago) and I’ve clipped most of it because, well, it’s pretty rough, but I hold it close because the words still feel as heavy as when the ink first dried.
Dreams can be a release from the realistic view,
They can allow a different light to shine through.
But in the waking world, that light burns out,
imagination is nothing but a word used by school teachers.
….
The only chance I have to live is in my dreams,
there, the difference between reality and make-believe
become nothing but a matter of acceptance.
I can be happy, I can be loved, I can be myself,
if only in my dreams.
When I was younger, I didn’t really fit in with any group and embraced early on the practice of spending time away from others. I became accustomed to entertaining myself. I was safe at home, even safer in my dreams. I would often dream fantastic stories that would “wake me up,” so to speak. I was accepted, loved, and alive. But by indulging, I heavily relied on the unreal for happiness. I wrote that poem after realizing how much I lived behind those walls, caged by my own mind.
Now, I write poems to be set free from emotions that may otherwise paralyze me and prevent me from interacting with others. I don’t want to mistake feeling for living, and getting those thoughts out helps me recognize the difference.
I do write on other platforms that are more of a private journal, but keeping a journal does not scratch the same itch poetry does. Poetry convolutes the message in some ways (for some people), but it better matches the complexities of the mind in my opinion. To me, a poem can scream emotion, while a diary lets out more of a whisper. I feel something more through poetry. Each word is so thoughtfully chosen, and each rhyme is so finely tuned that when you’re done, you wonder how you could’ve ever organized it any other way. If I don’t feel better after the last line is written, then that poem isn’t finished. A diary can be sloppy, but a poem, makes you figure your shit out before you publish. There is always resolution at the end of a poem. And that allows me to sleep soundly…
January 28, 2017 at 2:36 pm
It’s interesting that you started writing so early. Clearly you’ve progressed from writing in your journal to posting on a public platform. Then it’s a major leap to gathering the courage to write to a stranger miles away and post a comment.
The beauty of writing poetry is that it speaks back to you when you review it. Since it is a creative act, it picks other parts of your brain and even taps into your soul. In addition, someone on the other side might reflect the poem back at you. I find that it helps me see things from more perspectives from just writing in my journal.
Welcome Jade!😀
LikeLike
January 28, 2017 at 7:50 pm
It took a lot to start posting publicly, but fellow bloggers are so kind and encouraging. It makes me wish I had done it sooner!
I feel the same way about poetry. I may not always interpret others’ works as they intend, but I think that adds to the experience for both parties 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 28, 2017 at 11:39 pm
There’s a catharsis that happens when put something out there and I like to believe that even if only one person reads your work, that can be all the difference.😀
LikeLike
January 28, 2017 at 6:20 pm
OH this is filled with emotion. Thank you for writing this and sharing these feelings. I can so relate!
LikeLike
February 20, 2017 at 10:29 pm
If this was your first, I can’t wait to read the rest. This is great – and your explanations really resonates with me. Thank you (and thank you for the like).
LikeLike
February 21, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Thank YOU for the visit! Duke was quite the eye-catcher (very adorable), and the poem was a delightful read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 19, 2020 at 6:43 pm
I like your poem! Don’t let go of your dreams!
Dwight
LikeLike
December 19, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person