"It feels like wearing a skirt after years of wearing pants," this Poetry Writing Month, I reflect on why poetry is wonderfully uncomfortable for most of us
What a wonderful counterintuitive, poetic way to describe how love-hate is a valid feeling too :)
I've always loved the poetic, but taken a liking to poetry only recently, when I discovered that I can take from it what I need, and the rest will come to me when the time is right. I wish I was told that in school though, preferably during Reference to Context! On the contrary, my grandfather, who often quoted two-liners from famous poems for life situations or daily moods, was probably trying to teach me this anyway. I guess poetry asks to be heard/ performed and not read silently - and perhaps that's why we meet it readily in songs?
Yes! It is different kind of alchemy...when poetry meets a musical composition.. then a voice brings it to life...and if we are too a lucky, a dancer or performer embodies all of it...
Thank you for affirming the counter-intuition..... The mixed feelings... ❤️ Do you remember any two liners from grandfather? ❤️
He used to love telling us to slow down (and sit with him, which we never wanted to do) by quoting these lines (that he misattributed to Shakespeare, but still):
"What is this life, if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"
It's a William Henry Davies poem that I returned to a few years ago because I was writing about my grandfather. That's how the entire poem found me in its own time.
This is really good. Tho I admit I must’ve slipped a wormhole to another dimension when they were handing out meterophobia in the Liminal Waiting Rooms Of Preexistence. I am infected and unrepentant.
Haven’t we all been damaged by sarlarth and kavi ki jeevani of poems in school. Thank you for writing this Raju, I needed this validation. I hold poetry a little more closely and with a renewed sense of purpose than before ❤️
Such a beautiful essay! I avoided poetry all through childhood and college. I felt it wasn't my language and mostly went above my head. Then I discovered Mary Oliver and a host of other poets on the internet who made me fall in love with poetry. And now there's no looking back! There's nothing quite like this genre to express the most raw, vulnerable parts of us and our experiences. Thank you for this post!
Thank YOU, Ila for reading with care and engaging… I’ve noticed your love for Mary Oliver and felt it was unique from my love for her since you actually travel and see the world like she does.. Hope we find more poets like her who refresh poetry in our minds and hearts ❤️🌻
This is such a thought provoking peace, Raju! It makes me want to write my own version of it because I am someone who turns to poetry in difficult times for consolation after ignoring it for prose for years. Poetry feels home for the forever "in search for home" person like me.
Raju, thanks for this insight into how you think about poetry. It is so interesting because this is similar to what I feel about prose! Poetry on the other hand has always been there - a loyal, mad, moody, loving friend.
How interesting is that! Really really really want to know what you feel about prose.. I think I already resonate with it... but will wait to read it / hear it some day.. ❤️❤️
I've been trying to write poetry this month (and last April too, for all of 2 weeks) and I love how you describe the tussle. Thank you for your beautiful words, Raju Tai <3
YOU made me write poetry and I'm in love with what I wrote :) It might be just that one piece so far lol but, still. I think creative writing has liberated all of us from the prison of archaic writing rules. I'm so thankful for you, Raju Tai ❤️ Thank you for the freedom ❤️
This was a beautiful read. Poetry does offer refuge and beauty and hope, even when we find ourselves refuting all of it. And, by the way, you live poetry. Even in prose.
What a wonderful counterintuitive, poetic way to describe how love-hate is a valid feeling too :)
I've always loved the poetic, but taken a liking to poetry only recently, when I discovered that I can take from it what I need, and the rest will come to me when the time is right. I wish I was told that in school though, preferably during Reference to Context! On the contrary, my grandfather, who often quoted two-liners from famous poems for life situations or daily moods, was probably trying to teach me this anyway. I guess poetry asks to be heard/ performed and not read silently - and perhaps that's why we meet it readily in songs?
Yes! It is different kind of alchemy...when poetry meets a musical composition.. then a voice brings it to life...and if we are too a lucky, a dancer or performer embodies all of it...
Thank you for affirming the counter-intuition..... The mixed feelings... ❤️ Do you remember any two liners from grandfather? ❤️
He used to love telling us to slow down (and sit with him, which we never wanted to do) by quoting these lines (that he misattributed to Shakespeare, but still):
"What is this life, if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"
It's a William Henry Davies poem that I returned to a few years ago because I was writing about my grandfather. That's how the entire poem found me in its own time.
Ufff this is such a beautiful reminder of the irony, oddity, and beauty of a life lived in poetry... Thanku Raju Tai:)
Thank YOU, Gurpreet! For seeing the irony and oddity... Was beginning to think I am alone in having all these mixed feelings.. ❤️
The poetry in our homes are in the form of songs from films. And lots of it.
That’s true.. 🌺 Even non film songs :)
Yes
This is really good. Tho I admit I must’ve slipped a wormhole to another dimension when they were handing out meterophobia in the Liminal Waiting Rooms Of Preexistence. I am infected and unrepentant.
Haha! So cool. Love the image of the liminal waiting room. Wonder what magazines are kept there...♥️
Maybe it’s like a convenience store: trash rags, recipes,, Better Homes And Gardens…?
And that one book titled Everything You’ll Forget
Why do I feel like there is a fruit counter here…. and some music 🌼
Haven’t we all been damaged by sarlarth and kavi ki jeevani of poems in school. Thank you for writing this Raju, I needed this validation. I hold poetry a little more closely and with a renewed sense of purpose than before ❤️
Aditi, that last line...uff it made my day... i wish we keep renewing our connection with poetry again and again... and remind each other to do so ❤️
Such a beautiful essay! I avoided poetry all through childhood and college. I felt it wasn't my language and mostly went above my head. Then I discovered Mary Oliver and a host of other poets on the internet who made me fall in love with poetry. And now there's no looking back! There's nothing quite like this genre to express the most raw, vulnerable parts of us and our experiences. Thank you for this post!
Thank YOU, Ila for reading with care and engaging… I’ve noticed your love for Mary Oliver and felt it was unique from my love for her since you actually travel and see the world like she does.. Hope we find more poets like her who refresh poetry in our minds and hearts ❤️🌻
This is such a thought provoking peace, Raju! It makes me want to write my own version of it because I am someone who turns to poetry in difficult times for consolation after ignoring it for prose for years. Poetry feels home for the forever "in search for home" person like me.
Oh please write it some say and share it with me! I’m so eager to know…🌸❤️
Raju, thanks for this insight into how you think about poetry. It is so interesting because this is similar to what I feel about prose! Poetry on the other hand has always been there - a loyal, mad, moody, loving friend.
How interesting is that! Really really really want to know what you feel about prose.. I think I already resonate with it... but will wait to read it / hear it some day.. ❤️❤️
I've been trying to write poetry this month (and last April too, for all of 2 weeks) and I love how you describe the tussle. Thank you for your beautiful words, Raju Tai <3
Awesome, Safa! Its going to be thrilling and lovely... wishing you all the joy.. even while it gets challenging.. ❤️❤️
YOU made me write poetry and I'm in love with what I wrote :) It might be just that one piece so far lol but, still. I think creative writing has liberated all of us from the prison of archaic writing rules. I'm so thankful for you, Raju Tai ❤️ Thank you for the freedom ❤️
Sanobar jaan, thank you for accompanying me in this journey... ❤️❤️
This was a beautiful read. Poetry does offer refuge and beauty and hope, even when we find ourselves refuting all of it. And, by the way, you live poetry. Even in prose.