I almost didn't post anything today. Most of the time, I feel like I don't have anything worth posting. Then last night I read a book of poetry. I started wondering if the poet who wrote such heartfelt poems ever worried about sharing them with the world. I sat holding her book wishing I could talk to her. Before I knew it, a letter poem started forming in my mind.
I don't often write in rhyme, but it's how the words came to me so I went with it. I may go back someday and work on the poem a bit more, but for now, it's what my heart needed to say.
I write to make a difference. My hope is that someday I write a poem that helps someone the way so many books and poems have helped me. So every once in a while, I gather my courage and share my writing.
Thank you for reading.
A special thank you to Janice for hosting this week's Poetry Friday on her blog Salt City Verse. Be sure to check out her lovely poem "If a Snowstorm Comes to Town" here. It's just one of the fabulous poems in the brand new anthology, IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY.
You do make a difference, Linda. I love reading your poems, and this one hits home. I feel this way too. Your personal letter poem feels truly universal...the author of that book would be honored, and the rhyme was meant to be. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Amy. I am a huge fan of your poetry and picture books so your words mean a lot to me. xo
DeleteI often feel when I sit down to blog that I won’t have anything, a poem, to share. But, like you, reading will often provide an idea. I love your poem, from the heart, and I’m glad you let yourself rhyme. Thanks for the link to my poem.:) so glad you posted!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janice. I love your poem! xo
DeleteSo glad you posted! Love that the poem was from your heart, what you were feeling, and that you went ahead with the rhyme. Reading often works as an inspiration for me, too. Thanks for the link to my poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLinda, your words DO matter! And this is a pretty polished poem for a one-night effort--wow. Also, I think every poet would answer those two questions with a big yes, just like you do. <3 xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura. Over the years, you've been a kind and generous mentor. I appreciate all the support. I admire you and your poems! xo
DeleteI can certainly relate to that feeling of not having anything of worth to write for the world. Your letter to the poet is just right. Thanks for sharing it and your unworthy feelings that we can all relate to.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret. Your poems are always wonderful. I'm amazed at how quickly your poems come together during the class we are taking together. xo
DeleteThanks for your heartfelt poem, Linda. I think most writers (whether they write poetry or not), feel the same. It does take a leap of faith to actually write something and then put it out into the world. Your words definitely matter -- your poem, and this entire post, is proof of that.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jama. Your blog is one of the best ever, and I always look forward to reading it. xo
DeleteLinda, your words are heartfelt and I do believe that students will enjoy you letter poem. Perhaps, your words will inspire young children to have courage to write.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I hope so. xo
DeleteDear Linda, inside this poem I found a home. Thank you! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. xo
DeleteI agree with everyone else -- your words matter! YOU matter! And your intuitive use of rhyme is so masterful that it wasn't even obvious to me the first time I read the poem! Your poem is a gift to all of us who are brave enough to write, and brave enough to share our writing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mary Lee. xo
DeleteEvery writer/poet experiences a degree of doubt at some point in the process. It's equally important as to how we push on and persist that frequently sets us apart. I like the way you have used rhyming couplets to pose the questions in your poem. It provides an essential flow for your thoughts. The words of poets matter. They always have. The great strength of your poem, Linda is the way it addresses these matters in a quite personal and direct way. Your words reveal the thoughts of many poets.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Alan. Your encouragement means a lot to me. xo
DeleteWe need your words! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marcie. xo
DeleteIt takes a lot of brave to put yourself out there, Linda. I feel it all the time. But you've certainly picked the right space to share your work in this safe and encouraging community. I especially love the first stanza of your poem. That's what poetry does!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose. I am so grateful for this community! xo
DeleteYour first couplet made hearts shoot out of my eyes, Linda. Yay for poetry!! (And yay for talking about/being brave!) xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tabatha. xo
DeleteOh, Linda, keep writing and keep posting! We all share those insecurities but yes, your voice matters!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. xo
ReplyDeleteIt is a great poem, you came up with after holding that book in your hands and wondering, Linda. I think that we all wonder about our own words. It is just human, I think, to do so. I hope you keep writing. I think that we all deserve to hear what you say. I know I want to. Thanks for sharing your doubts and vunerability too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. Your encouragement means a lot to me. xo
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