Writing poetry

I wrote a poem this morning. In the space of twenty minutes, my brain went from tootling along with my current writing, to a tiny gem of an idea into full blown creative mode and a poem was born. If you've read the previous blog post, 'grass roots' - it'll come as no surprise. It isn't a coincidence - which is why I'm mentioning it.

I have learnt to appreciate how my brain reacts and responds. In order for me to create, I need to feed my brain creative stimuli. Which is why I juggle my time to hone particular hobbies; they each feed my writing life. Without them, my creative landscape becomes barren.

So back to the new poem. It's a competition piece which I need to create, polish and deliver in January 2024. Yep, you read that correctly, 2024! Yet my brain has thrown up a perfectly acceptable piece in just eight days. Last weekend, I did ponder potential topics and began writing a list but got no further as each suggestion seemed 'forced' as if I were seeking a topic rather than allowing something to naturally occur and be expressed. You might remember last year, I wrote a poem having walked passed the local graveyard on Christmas Eve and saw how busy it was. I came second in the competition with that poetry piece.

Anyway, at the weekend, I ceased noting topics knowing that 'something' would simply appear. And, hey presto, this morning it has. Thankfully, I had time to stop what I was working on and take note of the ideas/language that were surfacing. It is this, that I've had to learn how to do. To recognise when my 'muse' has been silently chugging away in the background whilst I focused on other writing projects.

Over the coming weeks, I'll probably return to it several times to see if revisions are necessary but I've a funny feeling this one is 'cooked'. Hopefully, given the time period, I may have a second idea so I can submit multiple entries.

I'd happily post my new poem but I need to adhere to and respect competition guidelines. You'll need to wait until March 2024 for the adjudication and I'll let you know if it gets placed.