April is National Poetry Month. For me poetry is a major part of my life and my journey with mental illness. Depression and anxiety have haunted me since I was a teenager. Fortunately, poetry has been by my side almost as long. I started writing poetry when I was around 15 years old. I didn’t know what I was doing. In the beginning I was probably just writing words on the page. I remember a teacher encouraging me to write. I don’t know if she knew she was encouraging me to release all that was trapped inside of my mind. That’s what my poetry was doing.
In the years since I have written countless poems. Some of them are just for me. Others have found their way into my books and been read at open mic poetry readings. Still, others have allowed me to better communicate with my mental health team. This is one of the great things about poetry; it belongs in many places and serves many purposes.
I have admired the writings of many poets including Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson. More recently I have been impressed by the work of young poets such as Amanda Gorman. Poets share a unique magic as they paint pictures with words. Are there any poets that resonate with you? Share in the comments.
For me poetry has a healing power. I find strength in releasing my thoughts and feelings in verse. The words flow out of me. They pull the depression and anxiety out of my mind. I feel the poetry and know that it is bringing me a bit of healing.
Sometimes I write poems for others. To me that is the most meaningful gift I can give because the poem is a piece of me. The poem is me speaking to you in a way that I may not be able to speak aloud.
Today I would like to share a poem that I wrote the other day. No one has read this poem yet. Enjoy.
I will share a few more poems this month to celebrate National Poetry Month.
A Poem Must Speak
A poem must speak.
Its words giving meaning to what the poet experiences.
Her emotions spill onto the page.
A poem must speak.
The poet forming the words trapped within her.
Sharing a piece of her life.
A poem must speak.
Words expressing meaning and
Allowing the reader into the poet’s inner world.
A poem must speak.
An interpretation of pain and joy emerge as
Words flow and emotion jumps off the page.
A poem must speak.
Creating a deep connection between poet and reader,
A moment of understanding.
As the poem speaks,
The poet breathes a sigh of relief.
Wonderful poem! Made my day!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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