Blackvspurple

There is a formal definition of what poetry is. There is a set of rules that is easily found that can tell anyone what makes up the definition of what a poem should comprise of, like form, rhythm, rhyme, patterns, imagery and so on. I am writing this not as a student of literature, but as a creator of a piece of poetry; as a poet.

As a poet, I have never once taken into consideration if my poem has rhythm, pattern, style,imagery or form. For me, when my pen touches paper, or when my fingers reach the key pad, they take on a life of their own. I start with one word, one phrase not knowing how long my poem is going to end up; not knowing how many stanzas my poem will have; not knowing if the poem will make sense to anyone, even me.

Whenever I feel that my poem is done, I usually do minor edits. I rarely edit my poetry, because I love poetry when it is raw. And that is exactly what poetry is – raw emotions. If the poetry is about pain, make it raw. If it is about love, make it raw. If it’s about happiness, make it raw. If it’s about sadness, make it raw.

I’m not a musician, I have no idea how to play any music instruments. I only have words. And that is what poetry is – music without melody. When read out it is beautiful to the ears. When read out, it sounds like a song. Poetry is lyrics that do not need to be accompanied by melody. Poetry is music.

Someone once told me that reading my poems was like hearing John Cusack speak. Every time he says something he says it so fast, so intense; like if he does not say what he has to say in a specific amount of time, what he wants to say will be lost forever, thus losing that moment. Poetry is using the least amount of words to describe a situation, an emotion, a moment. Poetry is capturing the moment in words. Poetry is like taking a photograph and when the film is developed, you do not see a picture, instead you see words that capture the intensity of that moment.

Sometimes I feel the need to confess to someone about how I truly feel about him or her but I am usually too afraid of the reaction I would get. Usually in those times in order for me to confess I write a poem, for myself, so what I am able to get things off my chest. Poetry is confession. Poetry is about cleansing the soul. Poetry is therapy.

I live in my head. I have many dreams. Poetry is dreams. Dreams that take form through words. Poetry breathes life to dreams and fantasies. Poetry fuels hope.

Poetry is a gift. Write a poem about anyone or for anyone, and you get a smile.

Poetry is the one thing that saves me over and over again all the time.