What am I doing here? Do I really think I can write poetry? That it's possible to learn it?
I give myself points for being me, for being here because I wanted to.
The grill smoke snakes in the air, the sun burns my neck, disco music blares from a neighbouring garden. I am sitting on a wooden chair in a backyard of a seaside village cafe. Old poetry journals and a cup with variety of pens compose the centrepiece of a round table where the six of us sit around letting the pens move across the journal pages.
"Write with f* honesty" the young instructor had said.
What is the most honest thing I can write now? Nothing deep. There's no poetry inside me right now, at least not in a level to reach it. Of all the things I could have chosen to do today I came to this poetry workshop, even when for the rest of the family it seemed like a strange activity for a summer day. I regret a bit that I found writing so late in life. Yet, if I think of all the people over ninety I have forty more years to go. The most important thing would be to stay as healthy as possible, my mind clear, and my memory and sense of humour in tact, and that I wouldn't turn bitter.
I am who I am, I do what I want, because I can. This is something, isn't it?
The words keep coming, the poems not, and it's ok.
(on the photo I am on the right, you can only see my hair)
I do see lots and lots of poetry in this piece of writing! It's all in there and will spill out the way you want it soon. Expressive, from the heart writing you shared!
ReplyDeleteIt seems you started this slice as your instructor suggested - with honesty. Your grappling with thise starter three questions is clearly explored in this piece. As I end it, this read believes a poem will emerge from your summer work. It is a reminder that writing is hard and we just need to keep showing up and giving it a go and above all, be honest! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI went to an all day poetry workshop once. I felt totally out of place sitting there with people who had published pieces. I did write some poems. Good? No. But the comments from the others in the group were encouraging and I left wit a little more confidence in my poetry writing skills than when the day started. arjeha
ReplyDeleteI love this honest writing! Thank you for sharing. I love workshops. They are always inspiring. Our writing is unique to us...as long as you are doing it call it whatever you want! That is honest and the truth! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat great advice from your writing instructor! Advice for life, I think. Lately, when I just speak or share with honesty, everything falls into place. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. This writing is beautiful. Who cares how “late” you discovered it — you have it now, and readers for it too — keep going!
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