Good day everyone. We are living in a very interesting time here in Canada given the abuse by the newly inaugurated President of the USA and his dangerous style of leadership for the USA, Canada and the world. And yet if we can all fight our way through this with strength, determination and integrity, this part of life’s journey may result in a much better place for all of us. May it be so!
As I have struggled like many others to find and keep my balance over the past weeks in light of all the challenges presented to what we know and value, I have found strength in my poetry and writing. I have found myself writing about Canada and I have immersed in a reading of all the poetry I have written since 2016. And I have had reinforced the importance of my poetry in the life I live.
I have now written over one hundred poems but more importantly, I have grown and find myself to be more centred in who I am in the broader world. I find that my writing has allowed me to enjoy activities, relationships and life much more than prior to beginning to write. I find that I am in better touch with who I am and what matters to me, and how I am feeling. And I find that I can better express and share how I am feeling. In many ways, this means that this activity of writing be it poetry or stories has become my passion, saving me from myself and contributing in ways that help to make a difference.
When asked about how I got into writing or why poetry, my answers may be diverse. I have no formal training in writing so I am for the most part, self-learning. I do not write poetry that most other poets write, and so when asked about style, I can only say it is based on life experiences. I write when I am happy or sad; when I am seeking to speak to my spirituality; when I am trying to understand and deal with stuff in life and the world; and when I would like to say something to the broader world. What I have come to appreciate is that poetry writing makes me feel good and brings me joy.
I have no expectation that others will like or even read what I write (although it would be nice). That being said, one thing I enjoy doing is compiling my poetry and short stories if for no other reason than having a printed version of my works in case someone ever takes an interest in what I have written and who I am. This past week I completed the compilation of my third set of my writings.
My first compilation was in 2018 and entitled Moments. My second was in 2021 and entitled Inspiration. And my most recent is entitled Resiliency and Courage.
I chose the title of Resiliency and Courage for a reason. In the past few years much of my writing has been inspired by those facing really serious life challenges be those related to abuse, homelessness, health or mortality. On the other hand, I have had fun writing about spirituality and activities such as curling and travel, and realize how important those elements of my life have been in providing me resiliency to face my own questions. And how my poetry is even serving as a source of ‘courage’ for me to pursue the idea of song writing as I consider where I might like to further grow.
Poetry (and other writing) and Life go hand in hand for me. I find it difficult to imagine life without poetry and writing, and am grateful for the few gifts I have been given to pursue life accordingly. Thank you for being on this journey with me.