a step toward some kind of wonderful: writing and reading poetry together
It is uncomfortable. Bold. Riotous. Maybe rebellious. But definitely good. The picking up a pen, collecting some paper, trusting that a word, and then another–the expression of a breath, a memory, a pain that lingers and haunts–can be a way to join hands with the heart.
I am reading so many books now–about poetry and healing, and writing, in general. I am ambitious. Overly ambitious, maybe. Curious about poets and their craft. What inspires them. What bothers them. What makes them sweat and twist and groan.
I want to know what other people say about the power of writing and reading poetry. How it can bring understanding to confusion, comfort to grief, relief to pain. There is a heart beating within us–a heart beating with energy and vehemence. A world within us can open. We can learn who we are and what we are and how we are. This is no hyperbole. In sum: we can learn all these things and be okay, at the same time, to not push too hard, quite yet, to know why.
Let the poetry do its work. Trust.
But together, as readers, we listen. We listen to decipher our own hearts as the poem, in its wild beauty, speaks. By the time we reach the end of the poem one thing is abundantly clear: we have engaged in a journey: we have walked through, somersaulted around, or capsized into a story that has engaged our emotion or left us staggering in apathy. Either way, we are not the same by the end of the poem as we were before we began.
Beautiful.
It is impossible to stay the same. It is impossible to read a poem and not be changed. Not unless, maybe, you were too busy getting the peanut butter off the roof of your mouth while you were attempting to read the words on the page. Yeah, I get it. That’s a good excuse. Or, unless you were distracted by your injury–when your foot got smacked by the hard metal thing on the electric scooter and you were too embarassed to tell your friends so you never iced it and now it’s swollen and hurting like crazy. Yeah, that would be tough.
But let me tell you this: if you can’t read a poem, for whatever reason, do this: listen to the way it sounds; be attentive to the way it makes you feel; then simply observe it. Let it sit in front of you: crawl around on the page. Or, if you are feeling a bit antsy, push it on the swings. It might like that. (And you’ll calm down a bit too.) Or, how about this: put wallops of strawberry jam on it and eat it, for goodness sake. But just pay attention to it. It’s reasonable. Maybe.
In any case, it’s worth the effort, as poetry, I am finding, both the writing of it and the reading of it, helps us hear what our hearts don’t otherwise know how to say.
So, what is your relationship with poetry? How do you feel about it? Many of you here–how delightufl this is!–have jumped in with both feet saying, yes, yes, I am with you! I am writing too! (Do you know how very fun this is to me?) As we write, we embark on a daily rescue mission of listening to our hearts: we write the stories our hearts want to tell us. This is wonderful.
So, like I told you before, I am just feeling my way along. Stumbling along with you. Listening to my heart and attending to its needs the best I can. And this has meant, for me, writing poetry five days a week. Every weekday. Getting up early. Not because I have to. Not because someone is bossing me around with a wagging finger saying I need to. But because it is fun. Because it is mystery. Because it is healing. Because it is good for my heart.
So that is why I am reluctant to decide for you what your adventure with poetry should look like. How would you like it to look? Do you want to read it? Write it? Journal about it? Sit with it? Would you like prompts to get you writing? Would you like a place to share it with ohers? Do you just like knowing that I am doing it and you are doing it and dozens of other women who are brave and wild and curious are doing it too, on their own, and that’s enough?
Tell me. Lean in and pass me a note across the desk. All folded and wrinkled up, in your best, scrawled, messy handwriting. Or, write me a simple, straightforward sentence or two in the comments. That would be good too. But tell me….when I wrote the post a week ago and invited you to experience poetry with me, what did you hope that would mean?
Can’t wait to hear from you.
xo,
jennifer
61 Comments
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Really excited about this community! Not sure what this should look like. But here are some suggestions…
1. One word prompts
2. Weekly theme
3. Color prompt
4. Senses prompt
5. Scripture prompts
6. Word count
7. Line count
Hope this helps…
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1 writing poetry, I would hope to clean my inside, eventually taking that from the inside and reading it on the outside. Am I scared, absolutely! I am excited, absolutely! God in me, me in God 💓
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I have understood poems, I ready for school and that was it. It was complicated to fully understand so I really didn’t enjoy ready poem’s. Don’t mind ready your, but writing is not my interest and currently don’t have enough time to write anything. I will support your writing.
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Hi Elsie, wonderful! Thank you!
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HI Jen. I am still on this jerney with you. I think about this every day, but just have to put some more words together. and Yes I do love prompts. something like the harvist is near! Wow got to think about this one. The Harvist is near. and our lord asks what we hold dear. from the mind and our skills and our time, each soul is God’s treasure to serve is a pleasure, with songs, from your heart and from mine.
that is my little poem contribution. but for some people cullers can have there own taste.
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I love poetry. I learn so much from the flow, the beauty of the words. I would so love to be able to Express my love for God, for my family, friends, for life, my feelings…through poetry.
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Hi, Carole, wonderful! thank you for sharing your heart here! Thank you!
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I started my journey when i was 16… i have dealt with the loose of a friend. She didn’t die she has just left my heart hanging… later one at 20 i met Jesus. I stopped writing… then i came across your page (loop) i started writing for God. You inspired me a lot. I am looking forward to write something after listening to your podcast
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Hi Millicent, thank you! It really helps to know what resonates. And these are wonderful categories I am listening–taking in all these suggestions in the comments, for sure. So grateful!
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Poetry met me in a time of darkness. I remember clearly the father drawing my heart in. No judgements could be made, no one would ever have to know what my paper held, but my secrets were safe here…So, I picked up the pen, opened the journal to a blank page, and began. Expression. I was never great talking out my feelings. I was always much better at writing them first. Writing is a way for processing, for freedom, for feeling, for intense healing. It was fun, and still is to watch writings evolve, for the gift to blossom, and the heart to heal. I read your postings weekly, and it inspires me, to press into the father, and in return see healing for his daughters. Thank you for being present, for being bold, for being raw, for being you. you have so much poise, and inspiration. Very thankful for you.
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I love all those ideas.
good tools to get you started.
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Millicent, prompts are a fabulous idea! My main issue writing is half the time I don’t know what to write about!
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Hi Jennifer, I don’t read much poetry as I am busy writing other stuff!! I have written three books and working on 4, 5 and 6! But just this week a friend gave me a poetry book and I read half of it! The writer lost a son to suicide and his poetry touched my heart. It was raw and I cried as I read it. I felt his heart and his guilt and his loss. Powerful.
I have never written a poem in my life, so I can’t say I know anything about it. I love to write and am hoping that my gift from God will touch others…but poetry , not so sure. I think it is interesting that your email and the poetry book arrived almost together. So…I guess you can count on me to hang out with you and see what God has planned.
I do read some early poetry, especially Elizabeth Barrett Browning, as I have been told by my English mother (a Barrett) that we are somehow related!!
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Hi Penelope, I appreciate learning how you love to write. And it is beautiful how your friend gave you a book of poetry that calls up deep emotions in the reader through the poet’s articulation of experience. So powerful.
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I’m in. 🙂
Not sure how I will respond or contribute but will read and reflect.
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Hi Flip! Wonderful!
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Yes please, looking at text to reflect
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Poetry is the least distance between the head and the heart. I’ve been “doing” poetry for decades. One way to share your words and soul is to make up a little zine handout and giveaway. We can also share our work by reading at local poetry events – the library will know what’s happening in your area – or by simply starting a share group or regular reading event as facilitator yourself. All blessings on your poetry journey. It is a road of honesty, selfcare, & connection.
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Hi Alice, reflecting on poetry is such a beautiful way to spend time!
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Quiet heavy hours haunt me late into the dark as I search my soul, my heart of what I own. As fast as the years have passed, this moment right now seems endless. I hear the ticking cock fade. Tears stream over my cheeks as I allow myself to feel my gravity. A gentle warmth comes upon the chill in the air, and a soft white light encircles my thoughts. I was not alone. Let go. My heart was so full of peace, and forgiveness. I am here, right here. Just let go.
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Maria–oh, beautiful. He is so close. “I was not alone.” Thank you.
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Maria, thanks for sharing.
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That is beautiful beloved, thank you for sharing, Godbless
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It’s so Beautiful I wish I could find words to betterdescribe ✨♥️♥️♥️✨ 💕
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Hi Jennifer,
I’m not much of a writer but that has always been intriguing. I would like to write poetry as lyrics. Being a worshipper that’s more likely in my wheelhouse, though blank pages still scare me.
The starter suggestions by Millicent (above) are really good ones. Thank you Millicent!
I’m in!
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Hi Stacy, the heart of a worshipper–yes, that is the best, for sure!
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Let’s see where the journey takes us.
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I don’t write often, simply because I don’t feel I’m proficent at it, but every time I have written a poem I have found a sense of accomplishment and positive growth like I have experienced only rarely. I would love to take thus journey with this group via prompts, or themes, or some kind of devot onal, or even simply encouragement to sit down and turn off the ceaseless noise of the world and write down what is on my heart. Sitting in the stillness is a struggle for me, and I am heartened by this possibility.
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Hi Katherine, your sharing here is so helpful. Thank you! It gives me ideas.
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I would love prompts! And some kind of guidance to know how to hear my heart and express it.
Thank you 🙂
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Hi Rachel, wonderful! Thank you for letting me know!
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Only once in my life have I written a poem on demand. Usually I need some sort of inspiration. Mostly, for me, it is sharing what is on my heart, from what I am going through. Hard times make beautiful writing! Also, just sensing His presence, experiencing something special just for me. This will be a stretching time, to see if I can write from a different angle.
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Hi Priscilla, I am totally with you–craving inspiration, looking for it in all things. And yes, hard times really do strip away the distractions and help the raw truth rise!
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I’m intrigued fro sure!
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Hi Sophia! Wonderful! So glad you are here!
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I would love to read more of your poems! I have always wanted to learn how to write poems! I am so excited!
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Jennifer, I love your writing. It touches my heart and brings me deeper in my relationship with Him. I am not a huge poetry fan, but there are some that tug at my heart. I’m looking forward to following you on this adventure.
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Katherine, what an honor to explore this new landscape with you. So glad you’re here.
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Well, I used to write poetry a lot in middle school and high school. It was usually never a forced occurrence, just at moments when my heart would get too heavy to put into words, well words I could say. I wrote about the sorrows and the waves of laughter which were always followed by tears. When going into my first year of college, and until now I’ve been having I guess what you say an “art block” :/ I can’t really write like how used to, in slow, long strokes. Now it feels, like the brush is heavier, or maybe foreign, making my strokes short and brief. I’m working on other areas of art now, well-trying XD but hey, if you want to enter the world of poetry, I might as well join again for the ride. Maybe, I learn something new on the way.
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Hi Augustina, yes, sometimes expression can feel so hard. A void. Or a block. I am praying for you to see Him next to you, feel Him in you, as He engages your heart and you create together.
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I used to write poems when I was young and then just suddenly stopped. Don’t know why or even if there is a why. I have since occupied my time with studying and my work keeps me very busy so I have no interest in taking up a hobby or project at the moment. Would still love to read yours and other contributors. Maybe when I find more time later on I might just start taking it up again.
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I will be honest, I don’t know the first thing about writing poetry. I said I would go on this journey with you to find hope, to find healing, to get out of the dark place I am in. I want the true voice in me to me to come out. Taking your hand in this adventure is a good step towards Him.
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Writing is created in us and all we have to do is embrace every moment. It is rich and full of nourishment for healing your inner being with positive thoughts about how unforgiving love sets you free from discouragement and so much more.
I would love to follow, but truly I don’know much about poetry unless my Beloved of my soul brings forth the writer in me!
I have no website to continue.
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Hi Jennifer,
This is exciting, and a bit scary! I haven’t written poetry before, but I enjoy reading it, and my daughter used to write poems.
I think prompts would be helpful, and brief suggestions with how to’s. Don’t want this to be a lot of extra work and a strain to you though.
Also, do we share poems and how/where? Or is this to write just for ourselves?
Lynne
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Hello beloveds
I’m in with you all, I don’t know the first thing about writing poetry, or even writing really, when I was in junior school, an English teacher once said to me “you have a certain talent in your writing, if you’d use it “
I’m not sure that I ever have ‘used it’ , but if anything that pours through me, reaches another’s heart, so be it, I’m thankful
I read some Gerald Manly Hopkins poetry, I didn’t understand it, but found it beautiful, and then Holy Spirit said to me “art isn’t meant to be understood, it’s to touch the soul deeply and caress you with its intentions. …it does the same for both the receiver and the creator “
So lets do it, caress each other’s hearts with our intentions…
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Hi Jennifer,
I write poems when a thought strikes that I just can’t let go or a line comes. Lately, I have started trying to write to prompts but that has been hit or miss. Most of my poems are prayers or in response to praying the Psalms. I also write in response to events that have touched me or just being weary. I would like to write with you, but I am also in the middle of research, school and dissertation writing so I don’t know that I could do it everyday or even every week, but I’d love to see prompts or exercises to get us thinking and writing and I would do it as I am able. I have been intrigued by non-rhyming poems and want to learn more about them and maybe how to write them. Until I have the time, I continue to write rhyming ones and often my meter is off, but they speak to me and of me to God so I feel his smile of delight. I live in Africa in a culture not my own, and am finding that poems help me thrive in him when life gets hard and I’m just surviving. Here is one I recently wrote to a prompt.
Autumn poem
As the pages of the calendar are turned,
I think of the seasons I have learned.
Growing, there were the normal four,
Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer, and no more.
But others have made themselves known to me,
as I moved to the land of thorn and palm tree.
This semi-desert has short, and long rains,
woven frequently with darker drought pains.
It’s Autumn in the land of my birth.
Think – pumpkins and the smell of loamy earth.
Leaves blown from that to which they were moored,
falling to the ground like refuse on the floor.
Here waiting. Will the warp of the dark weave
be woven with a light weft’s reprieve?
Think – orange blooms on a drought-resistant tree.
Signs of hope of what might come for its seeds.
The rhythm of our days has seasons too.
They’re easy to misconstrue without review.
Is it a season of flowers or leaves?
Depends on how I receive what he weaves!
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I would like some kind of prompt and support…
Daily… if very little work is needed or even weekly…
I love reading about your journey too and also write poetry when I
am particulary moved – but i would love to have some support with it too…
I’m excited about this journey!
xxxx
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A few years ago, what seems like lifetimes ago, I joined an online class that was about painting and poetry. When I took the prompt and sat with it awhile, I found some delicious words swirling in my mind, many of which found their way onto my paper in the form of poetry. I was stunned to be honest.
The flow of words from my pen to paper brought emotion and light to an idea in a way that my words never had before.
Then something happened that made all the beautiful words written and the images painted upon a canvas in such a beautiful and heartfelt way become ugly and distorted and so very hurtful. I stopped… stopped painting and stopped writing poetry. To be honest in many ways I stopped living. I certainly stopped finding joy in life. I was dazed and confused and very afraid that I had somehow done something with this class to open a door and walk into a forbidden place. In the past few months I have started putting paint on paper and canvas. It is time, I believe to once again put words on paper. And your invitation felt like exactly what I needed to know I was once again being invited to do so.
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It’s totally new for me to write poetry. So I’m excited to see what other are expecting and ways we can help each other out. Just let the Holly Spirit in us flow with words that may not make sense in the beginning but at one point will become a clear revelation of what our soul, what our hearts and what our minds needs to know to heal.
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Jennifer, as a teen (now 61), I wrote poetry often to find the expression for my inner self. Now it feels so far away. Thank you for the encouragement to start again and while I am scared and feel kind of stupid in this area, I am going to try. 🙂
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I love to read it, talk about it but after high school never had the desire to write any. To many rules… I journal. For me, to show me where God has touched my life, where he is at work.
I would love to continue reading what you are doing.
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I never saw myself as a writer but if the Holy Spirit empowers me to write a poem to Jesus, then let it happen.
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I Love reading poetry and will continue to support you but I’m No good at writing
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I Love reading poetry it really allows me to feel and pray better for others. I’m not one that is able to write poetry
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I am naturally a writer and a poet so this medium seems very comfortable to me and provides a sort of mind/body/soul connection to write what the subconscious already knows to be true 😄. It is different these days though to tap digits than to take a pen and notebook.
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I love poetry. Since I was a young child, it’s been my ever present companion. It started with the Psalms and went from there. The world is full of disorder and chaos, but our souls cry out for order and harmony. Poetry and the act of writing poetry creates order out of this chaos. Reading a poem, you might think how simple it seems. How easy it should be. Take one emotion and 5 words and viola, there you have it. But there are rules, there are order, there are a spiritual expression. In essence the writer is taking this deep seated emotion, and putting it into another world, one where you as the reader can access it, feel it, examine it. No other art form can do that so quickly. If I could be so very bold, I don’t think there is any art form so close to the heart of the Holy Spirit. I’m not saying that I have ever been able to do this. But I do know that, that is what I’ve been called to do.
So please, give me a prompt, a Spirit lead theme, an audience. I will endeavor to listen, to respond to the wind in the trees and the smell of fresh laundry. And hear God’s whisper, in my everyday stay-at-home mum life. If we could all do this daily, I think God would be very present, and we would all be surprised by how very present He would become in our day. Showing us the beauty and wonder, the art and the mystical.
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I want to try poetry as a form of worship, synthesizing some of my journal thoughts into healing glowing gems. Instead of rambling piles of words. Maybe once a week for me. Just an idea.
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I love your poems Jennifer; so many of them have resonated with me. I journal my morning prayer as I find writing it makes it feel more real, tangible, my love letter to God. I have had moments of “poetry”, where 2 or 3 lines of thought will get written down. I would like to learn more and venture into that space. Thank you for your beautiful heart
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I LOVE ALL yr writings SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL they t just like u SOOOOOO ENCOURAGEMENT
GOD BLESS u 1
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Breathing Eden held such hope in the pages. Hope that God, through Jesus, is writing the canvas of our lives. I am on my third art project, painting this time, with a young woman who was the local art teacher. This one will be a painting of an owl sitting atop a dead tree in a swamp, with some Autumn colors thrown in. When I first saw the photo, it struck me as a living breathing piece of life in a place gray and dreary, but the owl colors and the Autumn leaves here and there reminded me of God repainting my life after my childhood and teen years. I really enjoy writing; poems, a lyrical paragraph.
Thank you for Breathing Eden and stories you re-framed
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I would love to write …. sort through the losses, the gains, the emotions. Gain some clarity. clear the mental cobwebs. Discover.