Rewrite for Growth

Summary

The website content describes a process of rewriting an old poem draft with the influence of Paper Poetry's idea to polish and promote previous works.

Abstract

The author expresses gratitude to Paper Poetry for inspiring a creative revitalization of an old draft through their initiative called "The Makeover." This initiative encourages poets to revisit and refine their forgotten pieces. The author shares their journey of transforming an original tanka/haibun about nature's role in personal reflection and growth during the COVID pandemic into a more polished and introspective piece. The revised poem reflects a deeper exploration of self, embracing the identity of a social introvert, and a renewed appreciation for the healing power of nature.

Opinions

The author values the concept of revisiting and improving old drafts, acknowledging it as a great idea from Paper Poetry.
There is an appreciation for nature as a source of healing and self-reflection, especially during the stressful times of the COVID pandemic.
The author identifies as a social introvert who finds solace in solitude and the exploration of personal depths.
The makeover of the poem is seen as an opportunity for personal growth, aiming to become more gracious and patient while being attentive to the often-overlooked moments in nature.
The act of rewriting the poem is a metaphor for the author's own growth and transformation, much like the clematis plant that symbolizes resilience and beauty in the poem.

Great idea for polishing old drafts

photo/art by author

Thanks go to Paper Poetry for their great idea of polishing and promoting old drafts and poems. For more details and information, check out their post:

Here’s my take of an original, forgotten draft and my attempts of a makeover.

My original draft started as a tanka/haibun when I was just learning about this form of poetry:

Delicate green leaves of clematis wrap themselves around picket fence, fragile but strong, protecting the verdant garden within.

Have I changed or finally accept being a full-blown introvert, social of course, but preferring to hibernate without the need to explain or justify delve deeper into who I am or have been and who I strive to become.

How do I want to grow? Becoming more gracious, more patient, keenly aware of unnoticed moment of nature, squawking geese, red maple leaves, waking each morn to behold wondrous gifts of today.

I started this poem last year during the more stressful times of COVID when I felt alive and safe only when working in my garden or taking walks. I put this original poem aside as I kept asking myself why I usually turn to nature for self-reflection. The answer unfolded gradually that nature always heals in so many ways.

And, now….drum-roll for the makeover.

Delicate tendrils of purple clematis wrap around picket fence, fragile yet strong, encircling the verdant garden within.

During this season of hibernation, I embraced being a social introvert, preferring to isolate and to explore hidden interiors, burrow further into who I am and who I strive to become, dig deeper into this acre called home and refresh fallow ground to see what is ripe for harvest.

What new intangible gifts will bloom and thrive? Grace and patience, deeper awareness to subtle movements in nature, waking each morn to bask in the nascent beauty of the frenzied, quickening, wondrous gifts of every day as delightful and breath-taking as purple clematis wrapping delicate tendrils around the picket fence.

The Makeover

Rewrite for Growth

Great idea for polishing old drafts

The Makeover

Fizz-crackle let your poetry dreams ignite