Poetry

Writing My Guts Out

Writing My Guts Out

While writing in the studio on Friday, my critic began to rear her ugly head (why is my critic a woman?!) and I worked hard to overcome her.  I let her have her say, I didn’t try to repress or ignore her.  I gave her only 5 minutes to say everything that she could in those 5 minutes, but then I cut her off.  In those 5 minutes she reminded me of my big fear of actually putting words to paper — the permanence of such an act–and being judged for those words.  She then proceeded to tell me that I had nothing new to say.  She then didn’t hold any punches and reminded me that there is always going to be someone smarter, better, and wittier than me…so why even try.

I then reminded myself that all the great writers say to write what you know…and so I did.  And what follows is what came to mind…

(more…)

Poetry Night

The Salt Water Writers met again last night and pushed up against (and with) poetry.  I am by no means a poet, or even a well-read one.  But just like with modern art, I continue to engage and try to better understand why it is that I like something.  I can’t explain why I like some poetry (and some art), but my hope is that if I continue to experience it and try to figure out what it is that I like about it, then I will be able to emulate and/or create something of my own.

It could have been the bright moon or the fact that we’re close to Halloween, but last night was decidedly strange as we were all in a peculiar (read: dark/tired/snarky) mood.  One of our writers created a haunting tale of a hospital scene that was so spot on and used merely 14 words (or thereabouts).  Another wrote about an inhumane practice from a foreign culture; another about the tiny wounds we inflict on one another; and another about a foggy morning and a butcher knife.  Although a lot of what we created was “dark”, the writing poetry was good — and that is still my metric for success.  I love writing with these people.  Maybe I should read a little E.A.Poe this weekend to continue our dark path…

Blood of a Poet

[scene from the film — Blood of a Poet]