Writing Inspiration
Yesterday we walked along the top of Crown Point to enjoy the view below— below the cliff and below our feet. This little pink phlox along the path is one that caught my eye, a little daytime star.
Writing Process
I did think of this little flower as a star twinkling during the day, so I wanted to set up the poem to reveal that, starting with the title, phlox, and the color as the first line, pink. As I wrote, a word/line pattern began and so I followed that surprise lead and wrote a 1 word, 2 word— to four and and back to one. All the while choosing words to get from the day time flower, phlox, to the daytime star it is to me. Through the revisions, a bit sound repetition also emerged. Here’s the progression:
Poetry
Phlox
Pink
Sheri Edwards
So small
A twinkle, all
A daytime little speck
Of night sky retrospect
Daytime shines, all
Five petaled
Star
042522 116.365.22
Poetry/Photography
Your Turn
If you’ve been following along, by now you should feel the freedom to just start writing about a topic and an image that captures your heart in some way. Let the words flow by first observing the thing and then observing your own feelings about it as you dig deeper into its exploration and connection with yourself. Poetry is first and foremost yours— so write, select, revise, and let it sit. Look again and make it yours.
Perhaps a pattern emerges; perhaps the sound of the words begin to sing to you and so your word choices include those changes. Once the words image and sounds touch an essence you’re exploring and expressing, share it.
But beware, once shared, it now belongs to the world and your poem will become the reader’s poem, filled with their experience and emotions. And that’s the effect of poetry that comes from the heart and is given for another’s heart.
Remember the small things of life with your poetry— you’ll find that the your world is better because of it. And if you share it— the whole world is better.