Dear Poet
I wish you could
see yourself
as I see you.
You see
an outcast,
rebel without a cause.
I see
a tormented soul
with so much potential.
Silver-tongued sage,
healing hearts
with the flick of a pen
on a tattered page.
Comments
I, like Jacob, love this poem. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing it.
healing hearts
with the flick of a pen
on a tattered page.
?
....and, me, here, wishing it might be so.
John
Amen Don! Me too. I do however think there are a lot of people in the world who haven't a clue! ❤
Well said Ray. But no need to get your coat
The other thought I had is how the individual artist is often tortured by his/her own work. Is it good enough? Is it original? Will it be accepted(worst of all). The work can be a kind of gift which may bring a healing hand to those who admire it. States of mind can seldom be controlled, although in clever hands can often be manipulated, as we often see, not with healing results.
I'll get my coat.
Vautaw,
Dr. Rosenthal does not need to suggest to me the use of POETRY as a means of healing, inspiring and bringing joy to your life.
Through experience, I know it
Don
The truth I have learned with my experience with writing poetry is the healing begins within. I created a series of anthologies to raise awareness about the effects of child abuse. Contributors said the writing was sometimes triggering, but mostly cathartic. A few readers came forward to tell me they were able to start writing their story which started the healing process for them. This experience is when I first became aware of the healing power of poetry.
“Forgiveness which is the medicine we need to heal.” That is a profound statement David. I agree 100%. I too believe in the power of words. I suppose we all do or we wouldn’t convene here. Thank you for sharing your heart. It is sometimes difficult to convey tone and intention through writing which can lead a conversation down a dark path or even over the edge of a cliff. It’s beautiful when it stays in the light and can be fleshed out to provide a positive outcome for all who come to the well thirsty for a drink of life.
Great insights Ray. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. I attended a writers conference last weekend where the professor asked us to describe poetry in one word. “Manipulation” was one of the replies. Interestingly, everyone gave a different answer. Kaleidoscope is the word that comes to me now. We all see from the perspective of our own prism of life experiences. Such is the beauty of the art. Lab coat or straight jacket, it’s up to us to decide which to don. Fascinating world either way. ❤
Dear Vautaw, I have read with great interest your exchanges here and some truths emerging, as it should be in an open and honest debate. One thing that becomes fairly clear to me: your implication is that actually the suffering soul is healing others by his revelations. The wonder of poetry is that of sharing similar trigger experiences I feel, voicing one's own perspectives as they resonate. Interestingly potential must be different for everyone and the encouragement of it should be a major aim in society. Sadly much is lost through competition gaining the lion's share of It, and lack of opportunity. It takes dedication to develop it.
The other thought I had is how the individual artist is often tortured by his/her own work. Is it good enough? Is it original? Will it be accepted(worst of all). The work can be a kind of gift which may bring a healing hand to those who admire it. States of mind can seldom be controlled, although in clever hands can often be manipulated, as we often see, not with healing results.
I'll get my coat.
Ray
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback David. One of my favorite things about poetry is when it creates awareness and conversations. Actually, there is a doctor (Dr. Norman Rosenthal who pioneered light therapy to treat SAD) who is advocating poetry for healing. New territory perhaps, but I'm excited to see what develops! www.facebook.com/groups/PoetryRx
David, That last line has been on my mind all weekend, “The responsibility and expectation of being considered a healer is not a gift, it's a burden best ignored.”
Here is what God, the Universe, or that crazy voice in my head keeps whispering back to me, “If our words, our hands, our mind, our passion has the power to help others, isn’t it our moral obligation to do so?”
Maybe that “voice” is different for each of us, and thankfully so. The world would be a much darker place without doctors, psychiatrists, and other healers.
Interesting perspective Wolfgar and therein lies the conundrum! ? Thanks for reading and your feedback. ?
Thank you my beautiful poet friends. I truly appreciate your feedback. ? It will help me select my first collection of poems and now thanks to you, I know to include audio! ?
<Deleted User> (21487)
Wed 6th Mar 2019 11:40
Oh! how I love this one
When I listen to you beautifully read audio I feel shivers down my spine.
You 'spoke' to all of us - but it is intimate for each of us.
I am not sure if that sentence says what i am trying to say but I know that you will understand what I mean.
Dorothy
Thank you Victoria, "A tormented soul with so much passion." I was never short of passion. Love it.
J. x
<Deleted User> (19913)
Wed 6th Mar 2019 08:38
So much said in so few words. Love this one.
This is so good
Oh gosh I adore this.
Thank you Steven. ?
steven arthur
Tue 5th Mar 2019 23:56
great one
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victoriavautaw@gmail.com
Sat 23rd Mar 2019 02:53
Thank you John. ? Never fear, your poetry does exactly that. I truly enjoy your works. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. I appreciate you❣️