"If my poetry aims to achieve anything,
it's to deliver people from the limited ways in which they see and feel."
Of course, my poetry isn't for the public, and it probably never will be, but I like the part of the quote that says it delivers us from the limited ways we see and feel. I can't stress how important it is for a developing, growing, healthy mind to see past limitations put on us in our everyday lives. For a lot of people, poetry can be a means of expressing your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.
Recently, I've experimented with my own poetry. I found out that I actually enjoyed writing it, though I found it extremely difficult to pick a topic. Not only did I have to have a few ideas per topic, but I also had to feel comfortable writing them down and allowing other people to read them. I've learned that some of the best pieces of writing are the ones we don't want to share. I've also learned that it's okay not to share them. It's okay to have a personal piece of writing that holds meaning to only you, and it's okay to never let anyone else's eyes fall on it. Poetry is about self expression, not pleasing other people. Sure, it's nice to have people relate to, understand, and appreciate your ideas and skills, but you really don't have to have anyone's approval but your own.
Recently, I've experimented with my own poetry. I found out that I actually enjoyed writing it, though I found it extremely difficult to pick a topic. Not only did I have to have a few ideas per topic, but I also had to feel comfortable writing them down and allowing other people to read them. I've learned that some of the best pieces of writing are the ones we don't want to share. I've also learned that it's okay not to share them. It's okay to have a personal piece of writing that holds meaning to only you, and it's okay to never let anyone else's eyes fall on it. Poetry is about self expression, not pleasing other people. Sure, it's nice to have people relate to, understand, and appreciate your ideas and skills, but you really don't have to have anyone's approval but your own.
Marisa, I am sorry for the delay in responding to you posting. I like the fact that you describe poetry as a tool for mental health and I agree that it is absolutely acceptable to write for oneself alone. Unfortunately, it is the nature of the educational system to force you to share and the instructor to judge.
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