Pen to paper

Why should you support poetry? Imagine, being able to unscramble the thoughts in your mind. Every little detail. Even the ones that, seem unrealistic. Sometimes even unfathomable. You know the ones where you think to yourself “that is crazy” or “I must be the only one that thinks that”. But somehow, in your mind, these thoughts make sense. So for a moment, just imagine, being able to make it make sense on paper. Written in biro, unable to erase it. All your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, anything and everything. The ink just flowing onto a5 paper, a4 if you have it. The pen doesn’t even feel punished for the drainage, just relief because it’s spilling truth. Spilling honesty. Spilling freedom. Transparency in its truest form, this isn’t something you’ll want to contour. Raw and unedited, even the lines through the ‘wrong’ words show character, because they’re still being seen. Scrambled thoughts being unscrambled.

What’s more, If the permanence of the ink intimidates you, you can always use pencil and work your way up. Practise, and practise again. Turning your tool upside down and erasing it when your skeptical. But, with every word you want to erase, the marks will remain. So I caution you, learn from your mistakes. Hold yourself accountable and allow diverse conversation to halt your thoughts, potentially discovering new ones. Developing and nourishing the originals.

Confidence, assurance, self-trust. Embrace what you feel and the words which represent them, what you’re writing isn’t wrong. How could it be? This is your experience! This is your emotional response through language, written and arranged by you. Yours truly. You have nothing to fear. Authorise others to feel the bruises written in your words, and to recognise the comparison. Through happiness, anger, sadness even regret. There’s no right or wrong, no rules or regulations. Just you, pen, paper, and perspective.

Write a poem to the 17 year old you. Tell them when you feel like you’ve reached rock bottom the only way you can go is up, so don’t ever give up on yourself. You’ve got this. Deal with your past trauma, while others are dealing with it presently. This kind of growth is necessary. Write a poem to the person you wish to be. The dreams you have, all your hopes that you wish to accomplish. The life you are looking to live, create your milestones. This is your time. Let it rhyme and catch some rhythm, you could even click your fingers just a little. Your words may be far from perfect, but believe me they’re always worth it. Write it down, let it flow and let it go. Don’t give permission for social expectations or taboo subjects to control your truth or feelings. It’s time to engage in self care. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to talk about it. Sanction your words with poetry, fiction or not.

It’s your turn to be mentally wealthy - so Interrupt your anxiety with a simple “no thank you” and let the weight be lifted from your shoulders. I promise you, you’re not the only one that’s felt it, nor the only one that needs to feel it. The art of creative expression. Strengthen your imagination, re-learn and re-invent yourself. It’s never too late, you’re just getting started. What you have to say is important, it matters. You matter. You are more powerful than you realise. Words have the ability to create change, to humble us, to heal us. That’s why I love poetry; because even when I can’t bring myself to speak what’s on my mind, once my pen touches the paper, everything re-aligns. How can’t you support poetry?