What makes a poet?
I once read a story where the author said, “if you want to be a writer, write.”
If you are like me, you can come up with a million and one reasons why you are not a writer. My grammar is deplorable. My command of the English language is second rate. Things make sense to me but other people have said, ‘I just don’t understand you.’ Or ‘they broke the mold when they made you.’ Whoever ‘they’ might be?
Poetry is for losers. Poetry makes my head hurt. Spoken word crap. But not one of these people that say these things live a life devoid of music. I did a search for music that started out as poetry and I got ‘10 most powerful songs with poetic lyrics’: Killing Me Softly, A Change is Gonna Come, I’ll Stand By You, The Power of Love for example. readpoetry.com.
The Bible is filled with poems and songs. Especially the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon. The most noted poet in the Bible is King David.
Not all poetry is ‘coupled rhyme’. Which seems to be my preferred style.
There will always be people telling you that you are not good enough. Talented enough. Your dreams are stupid, selfish, or unreachable. Should you listen?
I just have two pieces of advice; pray and try. Don’t break the bank or quit your day job. Writing has always been an outlet for me. I can say things on paper that I could never say face to face. And yes, I got wrapped up in the ‘you’re not good enough’ for years. I’m so glad I listened to that still small voice that said ‘try’.
Poetry & More 