Wed Jan 21, 2009 6:35 pm
Most of my poems are off the cuff and written in a few minutes. I don’t usually know what I am going to write about until I string a few words together for the first line. Once I have a line, other ideas form and I get an idea of where I am going with the piece. Often I have a couple of words in mind that trigger images that I capitalise on, to then use in a poem. I do sometimes choose subjects, but don’t actually plan anything as it always seems to flow naturally. My understanding of grammar and punctuation is my weakness, working here for six months has helped me improve those areas. I write at least one poem each day, and have no problem finding inspiration. As most of what I write comes in a flash, I choose to write it there and then, before another set of ideas gets in the way. I do take time out to improve my understanding of writing the language in an acceptable manner, but that’s separate from the fluid outpourings that are my work. My aim is to spend enough time on the basics to enable my spontaneous approach to naturally be close to correct in respect of grammar and punctuation. I do revise the finished poems, and usually have half a dozen or so, on the task bar that I can tidy up or ditch as I see fit. Writing for various reasons is my weakest form of expression, although my brain is very sharp in dealing with complex musical structures and visuals. Personally I believe inspiration and passion to be the key ingredients in being able to further an aptitude that one has.
I am inspired and passionate, combine that with twenty five years or so, of barely writing anything beyond a shopping list and a brain that records everything in detail.
It means I am now on playback, trying to rectify my own weaknesses in respect of not bothering to learn to write properly. Yes I had a poor education at school, but I have had a lot of years when I could have addressed that by my own volition. Better late than never I guess.
to anticipate touching what is unseen seems far more interesting than seeing what the hand can not touch