I write.
Not because I must,
or because I am compelled
by some unseen force
like the devil nipping at my backside.
I used to write to expel emotion,
to coax forth whatever poison lingered
from the confusion of youth,
to purge whatever angst, anger, judgment
and torment could be vented
from a tortured soul onto paper.
I used to think that with all that disquietude shaken out,
I wouldn’t have much to say.
I was wrong.
Now I write because there is beauty in the world,
because, by nature, I contemplate
most everything I encounter.
I write because I love words,
have always loved them.
I love crafting and choosing just the right mot
to color my verbal canvas in particular hues.
I do not force writing,
do not demand it be undertaken daily.
Words simply appear when inspiration strikes,
when there is something to say.
I’d write if I never had an audience.
I don’t worry about publishing or being published.
I’ve a lifetime’s worth in stacks and files
if I cared to push something into print.
It’s not a priority.
Rather the day unfolds as it will, full
as I wish it to be like those carefully chosen words.
I choose instead of chase.
I ponder rather than wander.
Like a pentameter panther, I pace.
I’m just returning to blogging because the school year is winding down and I can. I love your poems every bit as much as I did before.
Aloha Alethea, and thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you’re back!
This touched me. Thank you. I love how this feels.
Thanks so much for the feedback. Love that you ‘feel’ it!
Hey Bela! I’m new to the blogging world and have read some of your posts, you share through your words a very positive spirit, full of encouragement, and this particular script speaks to me in a blessed way!!
Wonderful, thank you so much! I appreciate your comments.
To write because there is beauty in the world is wonderful.
I actually felt really depressed last night as I stumbled upon – by looking at videos on the internet, I stumbled upon one of absolute animal cruelty in China. Two trainers beating the life out of a lion that so so needed to be freed. I felt so, so down at that.
For you to remind me there is beauty in the world was very timely.
Oh gosh, I cannot watch those videos. I can’t. While I know these things go on in this world, and I do know it and more, I have to focus on what is right; to place my awareness and attention on beauty and redemption. It doesn’t mean I hide my head in the sand, and I pray for the human race and for all creatures on this planet and for the planet itself. We are such an interesting species; such paradox existing in our deeds and presentation. I take action on various online sites to stop the damage of animals, of marginalized human beings, of a planet in crisis – and I pray. Outside of that, I cannot linger on destruction, or I myself will get swallowed up in it. I have to concentrate on beauty so I may be of help to others and to myself. I have to give Nature her due. In spite of everything, she keeps convincing me that it’s a beautiful world.