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Embracing Vulnerability in Poetry

in Poetry Discussion

Last night, we had a great stream that sparked a lengthy and heartfelt discussion about vulnerability in poetry. It was such a rich conversation that I thought it would be great to bring it to the forum for everyone to jump in.

Vulnerability is at the core of many powerful poems. Writing honestly about our deepest feelings and experiences can create a strong connection with readers. However, it also comes with its challenges. How do we balance being raw and honest in our work while protecting ourselves from potential emotional harm?

Let's talk about the different aspects of vulnerability as poets. Here are a few points to get us started:

Writing Honestly: Sharing your true feelings and experiences can make your poetry more authentic and relatable. What are some techniques you use to tap into your emotions and write from the heart?
Protecting Ourselves: While it's important to be open, we also need to safeguard our mental health. How do you handle writing about traumatic experiences? Do you have any strategies to prepare yourself before diving into such topics?
The Power of Vulnerability: There's something incredibly powerful about exposing your true self through poetry. How has being vulnerable in your writing impacted you and your readers?

Vulnerability in poetry can be both cathartic and daunting. Let's share our experiences, tips, and thoughts on navigating this delicate balance. How do you embrace vulnerability in your work, and what advice would you give to fellow poets who might be hesitant to open up?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

4 comments

Comments (4)

Ghost of a Goddess

Aug 11

Personally, I have written about personal subjects many times, but I hesitate to share them. My former system for logging my poems included how willing I would be to let someone I know see each poem. Honestly, I'm still struggling with this; I'm terrified of people knowing the thoughts I have that I keep secret, and I protect my poems because of it.

Yvonne Calder

Aug 11

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Replying to

You are not alone. 30 years ago I was in class discussing performances of traditional Indian (Sub continent) dance, it was mentioned that the dances performed the basic structure of the movements but didn't include the personal spiritual elements. People in room thought this was subterfuge but I interpreted it as no one should ever sell their soul. Public makes a difference. The dilemma arises when like Adam you. want a better community understanding of this experience

Adam Gary

Aug 14

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Replying to

That’s totally understandable. I hear you on that. Props to you have having such a well organised system of collecting your work. My system is mostly print them out, or typewritten and throw it in a draw 😅 then spend forever trying to find a particular piece when I need it hahahaha

Yvonne Calder

Jul 30

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Honesty is broader than depicting our own non poetic experience. On reflecting about this thread, i remember a couple of poems I have read that are very personal, but i would put them into the public domain; as even a no comment would send me reeling.

Some of my poems I hope give an honest chronical of others experiences. I certainly hope none of my poems convey any sense that I think I have superiority. There is always a little of me in every poem, i am old world to believe the craft of fiction was that a character was never an actual person. Writing poetry engenders emotions in me some of which struggle to be expressed outside of poems.

I hope I haven't changed the subject I listened on playback but I am tired this week.

Writing personal poems limits the types of form that are appropriate vehicles. A Ballard form iambic pentameter or otherwise isn't appropriate for confessional poems.

Edited