I have been a creative all my life! I wanted to be an actor since I was 12 years old. For the longest time that was my goal, I studied it all through school, college, university and a little time beyond that too. Eventually I developed anxiety and had to hang up my boots. Acting is not a game to be in when you are constantly auditioning begging for approval whilst you have anxiety and imposter syndrome lol!
Anyway during college I wrote my first poem, for my first girlfriend. I distinctly remember the feeling I got from that... corny but I felt like I had magic pulsating through my veins. I didn't write a poem for some 3 years after that. I am a bit of a classic rocker and a fan of The Doors when I happened to be reading Ray Manzarek's autobiography and he spoke of Morrison as a creative/poetic god. I was curious and youtubed his poetry and was blown away! I realised poetry didn't HAVE to be the stuff that I skipped class because of back in school! As a 21 year old, it was a revelation that poetry could be cool! Anyway, I wrote my first collection right after in about a week! 100 poems in a week hahaha oh goodness how young and naive I was. If only I knew then what I do now. Anyway, now I feel so comfortable in my skin and I know I'm exactly who I'm supposed to be as a poet! It's really changed my life and yes, I have confidence issues at times like we all do as artists... but I'm so glad to see the back of Imposter Syndrome, and can walk with a spring in my step! :)
What's your story?
Wow, your story can be made into a movie, Adam!! I would say poetry has definitely changed me. I discovered what listening to your heart actually means. I wrote poetry during my high school till my first year at university. But then I think I couldn't write even a word because of all the college drama and tangled relationships. I think after 5 years, I again started writing last year, starting with small pieces and now I am happy that I found my passion again.
Man,your story sounds somewhat similar to mine(mainly acting part,haven't done it in a while,although working my way to get back into it.)
Interesting,because I never thought of being a writer.I stumble across poetry in high school,because of a extra credit assignment.I wrote an Iambic Partamener,show it to my teacher and she like it.I thought she was lying,so I did another and another,only to find she was right.If it wasn't for her and another teacher believing in my poetry,I wouldn't be able to express myself in the way i do.
Poetry change my life,due to what this form of writing has done for me.Its made me process alot of what has happen to me,is happening to me,and made me see there at least some light in a world of darkness.Allow me to see the art within each form of poetry(Haiku,Limerick,Arostics,Free Verse,Iambic Partameters,Epics) execution and appreciation of each poem i have write.Change my view from "Wanting to be the best like no one ever was" to becoming the man I should have been(Working Consistent Actor.)Made me think about the words I use,and if I have to say something,made me careful,since words are powerful.Now,there are times emotions do get better of me,which is why controlling emotions is such an important skill to develop.
Poetry been there for me through ups and downs,each time I felt done,I always went towards poetry.Even when I felt I did all I could do with poetry,I still end up challenging myself(like doing a poetry book,for instance,or even over the years,such as writing a two to three month long epic,writing over three hundred poems,about 5 to 6 spoken word performances,two spoken word videos,insta poetry,in forms of stories,which are mostly social media post disguise as poetry and once I'm done with poetry book,which is an E-Book to start out with,thinking about how would I be able to bring this book in physical form and a once per season Poetry Virtual Event.For the record,all of you COVErs are invited)
Believe everything i said might further detail what poetry has done for me.
Went from attempting to being best Poet of the world to Poet who process everything,which is why I don't read as much poetry as I should.Mainly,because poetry helps me reflects my feelings at the moment of time.Its allow me to be myself,which I believe I always been,however,helps me to further myself through exploration.
Guess to summarize what poetry has done for me is one word:Exploration.
Exploring myself for seven years,unsure how long I will be on this poetry walk,however,why would I stop when I feel like I just started?????
Cannot wait to finally get my work out into the world!!!!!!!
I hated poetry until I took a poetry writing class in college. my professor wrote in very image heavy free verse style and it opened my eyes to the fact that poetry didnt have to be melodramatic and stuffy (sorry Shakespeare). Poetry could be a written painting. It could be the edges of the subconscious. It could be anything.
I fell n love with writing. Poetry has since been a big part of my identity. It’s helped me to feel like I have something to offer that is uniquely mine. It has helped me to process feelings I don’t understand and has helped me to celebrate my relationships.
You are a poetic vision! I feel like I would find you in the dictionary! I asked my husband if he would grow his hair out like yours but he said no. Lol oh well! Poetry has helped me sooo much. I only just started writing it but after the first couple I really felt like I found out a secret about myself that I had no idea existed. one of my first poems was called “my son ate a booger” haha I’m a total weirdo. It’s one of my favs.
My son ate a booger said tasted like sugar
as I begin to gag on the couch.
I must give him credit
he doesn’t know etiquette
As his mom I’m probably a grouch.
But I don’t want to see
my son who’s not yet three
Put that shit in his mouth.
I feel that boy moms are tough
Because we know the stuff
They are constantly flinging about.
They pee on the floors
and slam all the doors
They are dirty and tend to pout.
But we love them so,
From their heads to their toes.
Because that is what life is about.