avatarChristina M. Ward

Summary

"Excavating a Poem" is a reflective piece that likens the poetic process to an act of excavation, celebrating the creation of free verse poetry as a journey of discovery and craftsmanship.

Abstract

The article "Excavating a Poem" delves into the essence of writing free verse poetry, portraying it as a multifaceted process akin to excavation. It describes poetry as a breathing entity, emerging from a slow exhalation into life-giving words. The act of writing is presented as both a firm and delicate process, requiring the poet to navigate the gnarled roots of inspiration and the fine sands of imagination. The poet is both an archaeologist and a builder, using metaphor and dream as tools to shape their work. The piece acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between the poet and their creations, where the poems themselves become teachers, guiding the poet's hand. The author, Christina Ward, encourages fellow poets to embrace their role as the voice of their poems, emphasizing mindfulness, persistence, and attentive listening as key attributes for poetic success.

Opinions

  • The poetic process is seen as a metaphorical excavation, requiring careful attention and the right tools.
  • Poems are not merely constructed by the poet but are living entities that guide and teach the poet.
  • The act of poetry writing is both a discovery of what lies beneath and a construction of new landscapes of meaning.
  • The poet is encouraged to be a mindful listener, allowing the poem to reveal itself.
  • The article celebrates the gift of being a poet and the importance of seeking and listening in the creative process.

Excavating a Poem

a free verse poem celebrating the process

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay

Excavating a Poem

Some, a breath exhaled slowly into life-giving words.

Some, an excavation with bristles firm, then soft and careful.

Some, roots gnarled and half-buried we trip over them and follow them to trees.

Some, grains of sand to be gathered and shaped into delicate mounds washed into the sea.

We gather. We excavate. We dig and we build.

We are careful to use the right tools, the right angles the carved-out landscapes of metaphor and dream.

We speak for them, but they are our teachers.

To all my fellow poets out there digging deep, finding the breath to breathe life into your poetry, or just listening to your poems until they speak themselves to you…it is a gift to be their voice. Embrace it. Be mindful. Always seek. Always listen.

Christina Ward :::i paint with words:::

More poetry and a poetry-related article:

Poetry
Writing
Creativity
Mindfulness
Inspiration
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