Have you read poetry in which you would have loved to sit down with the author and asked, “what was in your heart when you wrote this p
oem?” I have, numerous times. There’s something about poetry and poets that makes us want to understand where they’re coming from. And
yet, the poet will tell you, it doesn’t matter. What is more imperative is, “where is your heart when you read the poem?” As soon as a poet writes and sends the poem off for others to discover, the separation process begins. The poet hopes to inspire. It’s like a message in a bottle. Who will find it, and what will they discover in this message?
It is now up to the reader to reflect on the message. Reading poetry is quite different from writing poetry. A poet must incorporate a thought, an idea, a theme, a point of view, an emotion into something that when read can be understood by any reader. It has been said before that some poets write for other poets. Perhaps in some cir
cles, this may be true, but a poet should be able to write for the masses as well as for the one person who needs it most at any given moment in time. The poet takes time and pays attention to intricate details, crafting each word. Sometimes the writing process flows, and other times the process may require more labor and sensitivity. Who are you writing for? Poetry is language. Language is used as a form of communication. It can be used as a platform in which to bring beauty, change, understanding, clarity, action, forgiveness, peace; anything one could possibly wish to communicate, to the world.
Understanding the heart of a poet can enable us to understand the heart of humanity. Poets see, hear, touch, taste, smell and write with a poetic sensibility. Some are better than others. The more we read different kinds of poetry, the more we are able to see our world through a myriad of perceptions and understand more about how we find ourselves in this world. Understanding the heart of a poet helps us tune into and understand our own hearts. We need poetry in our lives.
Lately I’ve noticed a meanness of spirit rearing it’s ugly head in our world, making disharmony and uttering endless words saying nothing more than, ‘life is about me, aren’t you listening to me, you better listen to me, I know what I’m saying’, ad nauseum. What is it about human character that makes people forget that all humanity is connected? Is it fear, pride, apathy? Where is the kindness? Is kindness a virtue bestowed upon only a certain kind of person or do all human beings have the capacity to show kindness? Surely all humans crave kindness and affection.
The oil is continuing to gush into the Gulf, once again, without the containment cap, so they can check to see if ice crystals are forming after underwater robots bumped into the venting system and sent gases through the vent. It seems to be a crisis that is much more than a crisis. It is a living, breathing monster threatening to destroy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and those who depend on the Gulf waters for their livelihood.
Reading on patio~~
Welcome to rebekahELLE.com. This is a place where I share with the world my thoughts about life, current issues, the ways in which we all are interconnected. I try to look at the world through eyes of compassion and understanding and curiosity. I discuss humanity, environmental awareness, education and parenting issues, keys for success and happiness. I also share my poetry and prose when inspired.