A Poets View

I find my own writing patterns to be somewhat peculiar.  I’ve noticed that when writing articles, essays and reviews that I am more comfortable and need to be sitting in front of my computer writing as I am doing right now.  For some unknown reason when I write poetry this is the last place I want or need to be.  Writing poetry takes me out of the house, usually surrounded by a natural setting with my notebook and pen.  Even if I have an idea for a poem while I am home, I cannot sit in front of the computer and create the poem. 

I guess I tend to think of the computer more as a business type tool rather than a means to create art.  Even when reading poetry online versus within the pages of a book I find it a bit clinical online as opposed to feeling entranced by the journey through the pages of a book.  It’s strange I know but it’s the little idiosyncrasies which make each of us writers unique.

So, what are yours?

I was 10 years old when my Mom bought me my first book of poetry.  It was titled Speak Nature by James Walker Sr. A Lyceum book by Carlton Press.  That was 42 years ago and I still have the book.  It is a compilation of traditional poetry about Nature and God.  I fell in love with poetry as a result of this book.  I carried it around with me wherever I went and read it constantly to a point where I had all the poems memorized.  She gave me poetry books all throughout my life and was the one person who inspired my creativity.I was sitting in a 7th grade civics class one day, my mind wandering and in a state of sheer boredom.  Trying to act like I was taking notes, words danced around in my mind and a lyrical sound filled my head with sweet vibrations. I began to write and by the end of the class had penned this utter masterpiece.  I was 13 years old - 39 years ago.

One

As I go searching

Into the core of my mind

I find myself wandering

Through the particles of time

I cannot be blamed

For the prejudice and hate

For I am as one

And only love I do generate.

I read this now and wonder what in the world was in my head while writing this piece?  I have no idea.  I can’t even remember what was in my head yesterday let alone 39 years ago.  In any case I think it’s fun to share our firsts.  So, with that in mind, please share your firsts with me.