There is a reason for everything we do.

 


Every time I sit down to write poetry I ask myself "Why am I doing this?" It never fails to be the first question on my mind. The reason this thought first comes to mind is because I do not consider myself a 'poet'. I never have felt I was blessed with the talents I see in other when they make the lines flow so smoothly.

One might think I write poetry because I am a writer. Yes, no doubt, I am a writer and any form of written expression is an enjoyable experience to me. But that is not 'why' I write poetry. Not the entire reason I write it.

As most writers know, when a thought comes to mind if it is not written out quickly, it soon finds it's way right out of our mind and is replace by the next great idea that pops in. I have found that in recent years those thoughts have a way of flying out of my mind almost as fast as they appear!

My concentration is not always great. There are times I simply cannot concentrate on one thing long enough to write a story or a novel. Yet the ideas never stop tumbling out. I enjoy poetry so much! I decided to take those quick ideas that come into my mind so quickly and expand no them just a little bit. I tried making notes and writing down certain lines I heard that started the creative juices flowing. This did not work for me because when I later went over my notes, I'd forgotten why that line seemed so important. I'd forgotten how I planned to use it.

I started writing the line down, and then expanding on the thought, so I would not lose my train of thought later. In doing so I found it fun to work with poetry and try my hand at different styles. I have always enjoyed poetry so this was a fun way for me to jot down ideas before I lost them.

I write my poetry and post it here. Later when my medications don't have my brain slowed down or Lupus isn't acting up and interfering with my thought process, I come back to my poetry work and read through what I've written. Within each poem is a story I wanted to write someday! I include just enough in a poem to hold the thought in my mind when I read back over it. Not every poem is written in this style, but most are. A few are dedications to someone I know or have known in the past. Most are short stories waiting for me to write them out.

I did this with Lost Sailors Grave and it worked so well for a short story I was invited to join a group of authors in putting together a horror anthology and used this poem and expanded it into a very good short story. I had the idea for months but hadn't taken the time or energy to expand it out. a very creative project and one I enjoyed very much. The short story, Lost Sailors Grave in in Tabloid Purposes and available through Lulu press. It was a fun item to work with and I have found much of my poetry is fun to work and experiment with. Not every item of poetry is my next short story nor is every short story I write taken from my poetry. Enough is worked that way that I thought it worth mentioning to other writers.

I write poetry to keep a story idea fresh. I also write poetry to share a message with others. If my words can help one person through a new heartache, or help someone take a second look at a bad relationship they may be involved in, or if I can help just one person understand more about living with Lupus then I am satisfied with what I write.

As I ask myself the question, "Why do I Write Poetry?" I often wonder why others poets write their own style of poetry. Enquiring minds never stop asking these questions. For everything that is accomplished there is a reason behind it. I'd like to hear your reason!



If you aren't familiar with my poetry, please take time to read a bit, you might find just the one that means something to you!


γ 2005 Sherry L Gibson

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