avatarKatie Michaelson

Summary

Katie Michaelson reflects on personal transformation and creativity through a poetic response to Paper Poetry's writing prompt, inspired by Virginia Woolf's quote.

Abstract

The website content presents Katie Michaelson's introspective journey from a metaphorical dark world of struggle to a self-created vibrant garden of light and love. Her poem "Out of Darkness, I Created Myself" is a response to a prompt from the Paper Poetry publication, reflecting the theme of self-discovery and emergence into a world of one's own making. The piece is an exploration of identity and the power of individual perspective to shape one's reality. Michaelson expresses gratitude to Carolyn Hastings and Indubala Kachhawa for their inspiration and guidance, and she extends an invitation to others to engage with Paper Poetry's prompts, emphasizing the value of community and shared creativity.

Opinions

  • Michaelson acknowledges the influence of Virginia Woolf's words on her work, suggesting a reverence for the literary tradition and its impact on contemporary writing.
  • The author conveys a sense of empowerment and self-creation, emphasizing the importance of personal agency in the face of adversity.
  • There is a clear expression of appreciation for the Medium community, particularly for Carolyn Hastings, who is credited with encouraging the poem's creation.
  • The poem and accompanying text reflect a positive view of the creative process as a means of personal transformation and healing.
  • Michaelson values the act of writing poetry as a way to connect with others, as evidenced by her tagging of fellow writers and her encouragement for readers to join Medium and engage with poetry.

Deja Vu at Paper Poetry | EPIGRAPHIC POETRY PROMPT

Out of Darkness, I Created Myself

My response to a prompt from the Paper Poetry publication

Garden and image Created by Katie Michaelson.

“…for unless I am myself, I am nobody.” ~ Virginia Woolf

Dark was the world But there I crawled Hands and knees Along the rough and rocky road.

Road of silent bones Jagged stones cut deep My skin raw I pulled myself along the road.

Dark was the world Blind — I began to see That was not my world That was not my road — not my road.

Emerald was the garden I found it there and sat Hands folded on my lap Head bowed, I left the road.

Time.

Dark was the world I gathered all All that I chose Grabbing light and color,

I created my road.

Brilliant is my world And I walk there Strong and clothed in glory Weaving cloth soft as silk protecting my road.

Me.

Bright is my world And here I run Heart open with joy Giving love and kindness from my road.

Thank you very much for reading my simple words. I appreciate your gift of time and understanding.

Carolyn Hastings made me do it and here’s the evidence —

Katie Michaelson — because she tells us she doesn’t have time to write stories these days, but I’m hoping she has time to write a poem 🙏

See that? She loves me. I’m her favorite!

My instructions from the wonderful wordsmith Indubala Kachhawa were:

Churn out a poem from the deep, vast, eternal wisdom of your subconscious when you met your original true self.

I’m tagging a few of my favorites but not all my favorites because my hand would get sore. If you’re not on this list, it’s because I love you best and don’t want anyone to feel hurt. So, just join Carolyn Hastings at Paper Poetry.

Adrienne Beaumont, MN, CARMEN F MICSA, Sharing Randomly, David Rudder, Keeley Schroder, Karen Hopwood, Julie Gaeta, Elizabeth Emerald, Barb Dalton 🇺🇦, Rose Lee, Rose CG, and the rest of you. xoxo

Paper Poetry has 14 prompts to choose from. Check them all out here —

If you enjoy what you’ve read, it’s easy to join Medium. Think about what topics you want to read. If you like Paper Poetry, select ‘Poetry’ for example.

W13 Prompt
Epigraphic Poem
Poetry
This Happened To Me
Deja Vu At Paper Poetry
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarJenine "Jeni" Baines
Spin Cycle

Talking Myself Through SAD/Seasonal Affective Disorder

2 min read
avatarSuzanne V. Tanner
Nanny June’s Addictive Bacon Potato Salad

If meat isn’t your thing, skip the pork and add some crushed smoked almonds.

5 min read
avatarSam Aureli
Beyond the Echo Chamber

Voices in My Head Series | Bridging Divides in a Fragmented World

1 min read
avatarDr. Fatima Imam
Interpretation

Is it possible to translate a dream

2 min read
avatarAlan Campbell
Longing

a poem

1 min read
avatarJay — the Unflushable Floater — Squires
My Apologies to a Great Poet

… and the story — much of which may be factual — that prefigured the genesis of my own poem

5 min read