Poetry has been my companion since high school, a reliable friend to turn to when the cacophony of life becomes too loud. It has been a sanctuary, a place where I can both confront and release my deepest emotions. Each verse and stanza I've crafted over the years has acted as a stroke in a larger painting of my life, capturing moments of overwhelming feeling and transforming them into something tangible, something shareable.
I've come to see poetry in everything. It exists in the quiet moments of beauty, the pangs of grief, and even in humor. It is life’s echo, captured in words. My belief is firm: there are no wrong ways to write poetry. It does not demand a particular style or form; it simply requires honesty. Poetry is a canvas for our internal landscapes, a means to project our inner truths onto something that others can see, touch, and feel.
Lately, I’ve been drawing inspiration from poets who are not just writers but artists of emotion—Natalie Diaz, Miroslav Holub, Galway Kinnell, Laurie Lee, Kathleen Raine, and Philip Larkin. Their works resonate with a kind of electricity that illuminates the human condition. They remind me that poetry can be as powerful as the most passionate speech or as delicate as the quietest whisper.
My poems are spontaneous, born from the flux of daily emotions and the environment around me. Rarely do I sit down with a clear plan; rather, I let the moment guide my pen. Editing (poetry) is not my forte—I relish the raw, unfiltered flow of words, making most of my shared pieces first drafts. This rawness is part of what breathes life into my work, giving it a heartbeat.
If I were to offer any advice to fellow writers: write for yourself first. Don't write to try to please anyone other than yourself. When poetry comes from a place of sincerity, it has the power to move not just the writer but anyone who comes across it.
The reactions and engagements from readers provide a sweet note in my ongoing poetic journey. It's heartwarming to see familiar digital footprints return and new ones appear, signaling that my words do more than just fill space—they connect, and resonate.
Poetry is more than just writing; it's a form of personal expression that transcends the page, reaching out to touch the hearts of others. It's a reminder that through words, we are never truly alone.