03/10/2024
I’ve just been rummaging through some of my old notebooks.
In between all the business plans and strategy notes I found so many half written poems.
It’s not surprising… when I look back on my childhood diaries, they were the same.
Lately I’ve been feeling drawn to join some poetry memberships. Places dedicated to exploring and expressing through this delightful art form.
Poetry has got to be one of my favourite arts. A language I understand, it moves me deeply.
The written word. No need for bells and whistles. Words on a page that can cut straight to the heart, move me to tears, catch my breath.
And when the words are spoken aloud, it’s a whole other experience. A few years ago when I was living in the Sunshine Coast I would attend our monthly poetry slam religiously. At first I would just go as an onlooker, but bit by bit I got up the courage to get up and speak.
I loved having a theme to focus on each month. I loved sharing the stage and seeing how many different people could take that one theme and turn it into a myriad of meanings.
Eventually I was asked to recite my poetry at festivals, I landed a gig as co-MC at one of them, I won some of the slams.
A lot of people said I didn’t really write poetry, and I know they were technically right. I’ve never studied it or learned the nuances and techniques.
I’ve always just written freely. However I want to, and I love that. With my words I was able to capture the audience, command their attention, move them. I miss that feeling.
So lately I’ve been feeling the call to learn more about what truly makes a poem. I want to commit to this path and honing this craft. I want to move people the way countless other poets have moved me.
So this is a declaration, the era of Jade the poet is upon us…