About Poetry

About Poetry

BLOG SESSION

April 23rd, 2018

Welcome Poets and Poetry Lovers!

Today's Session will be about our favorite subject matter for all Writers who have been following along here on the Blog with our Sessions this month.  In addition to taking Journal notes about our writing projects and current Novels that we are working on in Camp NaNoWriMo, we are going to dive into another area that many of the Writers here are focused on, and that is something near and dear to those who have the "gift" of a Poet's Pen.  When it comes to writing many of you zone in on the genre of poetry.

About Poetry:  Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language—such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning.

I'd like to mention that many of us here started writing poetry at a young age because we learned about the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, William Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde, and many others who captured our interest with their fascinating poetics.

Young Poet 

As a child, your mind absorbs literary works with a sense of wonder at play.  Visual images come to mind and help the young writer to see exactly what the poet is trying to relay with his or her poetic words.

It is very easy for children to learn to write poetry because they have been indoctrinated with Nursery Rhymes from an infant. 

Everyone of us can identify with the Nursery Rhymes, "Row, row, row your boat...." and "Mary had a little lamb..." and "A Tisket, A Tasket"... and "Baa Baa Black Sheep"..., and the famous "ABC Song".  Nursery Rhymes are in our memory banks.

We must also keep in mind that Music is a rhythmatic vessel awaiting poetic words to be applied ~ also known as Lyrics.

As you grab your Journal today to take notes on our Session . . .

Journal Notes

Please take a moment to think about some of your favorite Lyrics.  If you simply read the lyrics without the music, does a poem appear?  Do you hear the music playing in your head as you read the words to the song?  Do the words (lyrics) inspire you to write poetry?

On the other hand, when you read poetry, does a rhythm form and begin to take motion like wings on a butterfly?  Do you hear the sound of the poem?  Does the beat of the poem become louder or softer as you read?  When reading poetry, does your spirit tap in and meet the poet on the paper and in the air?  Does your spirit "feel" the poet's meaning?  Can you grab a hold of the emotions that are within the poetic words?

What exactly does poetry do for you as far as inspiration and motivation when it comes to the literary world?  Does poetry touch your soul?

Do you consider yourself a Poet?

The Young Poet

(Thinks, feels, expresses)  

Thought-provoking poetry is always inspiring.  Take a Read...

Dream Deferred - Poem by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--
And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode? 

By Langston Hughes

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

By Maya Angelou

To all the Poets ~ You too shall rise.

Write your poetry and feel blessed as you do!

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

Making Your Poetry Journal

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved

The Writer's Comfort Levels ~ PART 18 ~ "Shock"

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 18

"Shock"

BLOG SESSION

February 15th, 2018

Good Evening Blog Readers, Writers, Followers & Visitors.  Welcome back for tonight's interesting Blog Session.

We are back here together with all Writers, Poets, Authors, Novelists, Film Writers, Journalists, and Creative Writers who are interested in learning more about The Writer's Comfort Levels and the twenty-one (21) emotions we have been covering in our Blog Sessions.  Tonight's emotion is "Shock".

For all Writers following along, our Sessions are currently about learning how to be comfortable as you write about your characters and the various emotions and feelings associated with each character.  Your readers should be able to identify with and "feel" the emotions that you are writing about in your stories.

You'll need to grab your Journal so that you can take notes on tonight's writing material . . .

Journal Notes

Shock is commonly identified as a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience.

Shock is also recognized in the medical field as an acute medical condition associated with a fall in blood pressure, caused by such events as loss of blood, severe burns, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or sudden emotional stress, and marked by cold, pallid skin, irregular breathing, rapid pulse, and dilated pupils.

There are also earth related incidents associated with "shock", such as a violent shaking movement caused by an impact, explosion, or tremor ~ "earthquake shocks".  [Such events in connection with the earth involve vibrations, shaking, earth movement, reverberation, jolt(s), jarring, jerking, bump(s), bumping, impacts, blows, collision, crash, and/or  clashes].

Believe it or not, there are various types of "Shock".

When it comes to writing descriptions of characters in your stories who exhibit the emotion of "shock", take a moment to look at the baby above.  Looks a little like the emotion of "shock" being displayed doesn't it?

Now what could this baby possibly be shocked about?  Think about that for a second, then write a paragraph in your Journal describing what this baby is shocked about.  Name the baby, describe the event or thing that is causing this baby to exhibit this look.

In the process of writing about the "shocked" look on this baby's face, you'll also have to describe how the baby "feels".  This practice will give all of our television writers and Film Writers something to focus on that is out of the ordinary.  How do you describe the emotions of a baby?

What about this baby?

Would you describe the emotion of this baby as "shock"?

Can you find any other emotion that would be descriptive of the expression on this baby's face?  If so, make a note of it in your Journal.

Take a moment to write a short paragraph about this baby and the emotion this baby is expressing, and also describe what it is that is causing this baby to have this particular "look" on its face.

Writing about the emotions of babies is not always easy.  Especially if the babies are not able to speak yet.  Expressions on the faces of adults are sometimes very easy to identify, especially if you know the person.  But what about little infants? . . .

Can you describe the emotion

exhibited on this baby's face?

In your Journal, as an exercise for tonight's Blog Session, write a paragraph about the three babies pictured.  Think on these three things:

1)  What emotion are they feeling?

2)  What emotion does their facial expression exhibit?

3)  What could have possibly caused the reaction?

Out of all of the Genres that are available to you as a Writer, think on which genre you are focused on.  Are you interested in writing fiction, detective novels, biographies, poetry, a memoir, a film, a television series, a sitcom, a play, or a comedy?

Comedies are not for everyone, but if you have never written a comedy, you may want to read a few, and then try your hand at it.  To help you out a bit, try your hand at writing a paragraph about the cat you see below . . .

Is this shock or what?

We'd love to hear what you come up with about this cat and the babies.

Have a good evening, and we'll see you tomorrow here on the Blog for our next Session!

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 19

"Kindness"

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved

The Writer's Comfort Levels ~ PART 9 "Grief"

"The Writer's Comfort Levels"

PART 9

BLOG SESSION

January 5th, 2018

Welcome back Blog Readers, Writers, Followers & Visitors.  We've got a lot to discuss in today's Blog Session.  You'll need to get your Journal once again to take notes on today's emotional topic.

If you have been following along with us regarding The Writer's Comfort Levels, then you will have taken notes on the following eight (8) emotions that we have already covered...

1)  Sadness (Sorrow)

2)  True intensity

3)  Joy

4)  Disappointment

5)  Wonder

6)  Curiosity

7)  Betrayal

8)  Hurt

9)  Grief

If you happened to have missed any of the eight (8) Blog Sessions, you may always catch up by scrolling down to view them, or you may look over in the far right-hand column here on the Blog to find the Session that you would like to review in our "Blog Archive".

In today's Blog Session we are going to cover the emotion of "Grief".  This is one of the emotions that happens to be a very sensitive and touchy area.

Grief is a multifaceted response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or something that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed.  Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and philosophical dimensions.

As we all know, we all react to grief differently.  Grieving over a loved one who has passed on may be reacted to quite differently from grieving over a home that has been destroyed by a fire with possessions within that can never be replaced -- such as photographs of family members who have passed on.

Grieving over a relationship that has come to an end for any number of reasons may also cause another type of grief for those affected.  Relationships including friendships, marriages, close associations, co-workers, and/or individuals in a person's life who have played a large role in their life, but move on (be it slowly ~ fading out, or suddenly) and are no longer closely associated as before.

As a Writer, you must have an aptitude for writing in such a way that invokes the belief of the Reader.  When you are able to identify with the emotions that you write about, then you are also able to tap into these emotions on such a level that the characters in your story come alive.  The emotions of the characters as they journey through the storyline that you have plotted out for them will vary and change.

Reactions may be vastly differently when it comes to grief.  One person may go into a silent phase for hours, some may be silent for days at a time, others may be silent for what seems like months at a time, and when it comes to deep grief, it may take years for a person to truly grieve.  There may also be sudden outbursts out of nowhere when a person thinks about the death of a loved one or something that was dearly treasured.

 Emotional reactions vary when it comes to grief.

If you have ever experienced grief in your life, then you will have a reference point by which to gage how you will express grief through your writings.

One way to get in touch with the emotion of grief for the purposes of learning how to write about it so that the Readers of your stories actually "feel" the grief you are expressing is to take a moment to write about a time in your life where you actually experienced grief.  Relive the emotions that you went through, and the timeframe -- how long did you grieve?  Do you even remember the period of time that it took for you to go past the stage of grief that most affected you?  Did you have a delayed reaction to grief?  Did you have loved ones who helped you during your time of grieving?

Using your Journal for writing out your own experiences with the emotions that we are covering in our Blog Sessions will serve you well as you write your books, novels, short stories, writing projects, and poetry.

Dear Writers ~ Your Journal awaits you . . .

Use your Journal for both Notes

and

Your own personal internal writings

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

The Writer's Comfort Levels

 ~ PART 10 ~

 "Passion"

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved

The Writer's Comfort Levels ~ PART 7 "Betrayal"

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 7

"Betrayal"

BLOG SESSION

February 3rd, 2018

Welcome back Writers, Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

We are going to be discussing the next emotion on our list for our topic ~ "The Writer's Comfort Levels".  Our next emotion is "Betrayal".

If you are new to our Blog Sessions, we welcome you!  Make yourself right at home.  The first thing you need to do is to Bookmark the Blog.  Then you can sign up to "Follow by Email".  You'll find the place to sign up over in the far right column under my eyeball, then after you have placed your email address in the appropriate spot, just click the "Submit" button and you will receive all of our Blog Sessions in your email box as soon as they are published.

If you are a Google+ User feel free to add me to your Circles.  You are also able to leave your comments here on the Blog in the "Comments Section" at the bottom of each Blog Session.  Your thoughts and feedback are important to all of us here, and we'd definitely like to hear what you have to say!

If you have missed any of the Blog Sessions, you can always check them out by looking in our "Blog Archive" which you will find in the far right-hand column.

Another item for all New Blog Followers is that we use Journals to take notes for each of our Blog Sessions here.  You'll find it very helpful to pick up a nice Journal so that you will be able to look back on all of the meaningful writing tips that you will find here on the Blog.  Without further ado...

Journal Notes

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 7

"Betrayal"

We all know that "Betrayal" has long since been related to exposure by someone of one's country, a group, or a person which causes danger by treacherously giving information to an enemy.  As in the case of a double agent who betrayed some 400 British and French agents to the Germans.  Or as in the case of an employee who gives secrets of the company to a competitor.

We all know of people who are unfaithful, not loyal, untrustworthy, and who are in essence wolves in sheep's clothing.

You cannot possibly understand the depth of betrayal unless you have been betrayed.  Betrayal causes damage, hurt feelings, long term trauma in some cases, and a host of other emotional and mental issues as a result.

There are family members who betray other family members, friends who betray their friends, and spouses who turn out to be betrayers.

Loyalty is the quality of being loyal to someone or something.  Loyalty is important in a relationship of any kind ~ marriages, families, friendships, working relationships, business relationships, church relationships, group affiliations, and commitments to others in your life.

Loyal individuals bring forth a strong feeling of support or allegiance.  There is nothing worse than being around a jealous, envious, hateful or snarky person who in their heart wants to undermine anything good in your life.

This is the reason why those who are loyal are akin to jewels that are very hard to come by.  Dear Writers ~ Always Treasure loyalty.

Treasure Loyalty

Some people take loyalty and trust for granted, and are easily persuaded to be cavalier about their interactions with others.  These are the people who will quickly betray another.  There is an emotional factor that surrounds loyalty and trust.  These two attributes are admirable and work to build others up to whom they are entrusted.

If you are loyal to someone, they will trust you.  If you trust another person, you should in turn be loyal to them.  What you say and do shows through to others.  Who you confide in you expect to trust.  Hurt feelings happen when that trust is broken.

The account of one who has been betrayed.

Not all is forgotten even when the wounds and scars that betrayal have caused have been forgiven.  There is a level of trust that erodes when one is betrayed...

Noteworthy Sayings

Something to keep in mind when dealing with people who crave the spotlight and those who may have a personality disorder such as Narcissism.

Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one's own attributes.  The term originated from the Greek mythology, where the young Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.

Narcissistic people don't care about you.  Do not expect then to be loyal to you.  It won't happen.  Please make a note of it.

Me, me, and more ME.

The emotion of "Betrayal" is a strong one.  If you have ever come across betrayal in your life, then you will completely understand the feelings associated with it when you have been betrayed.

Betrayal is an emotion that is so powerful that it will bring out the best in your writing.  If you are a Writer, gather your emotional experiences together and journal them.  You may also want to reflect on the feelings you have experienced in your life personally, and make notes for use in your writings when you build your Character Profiles for your stories.

The same people and personalities that you have come upon in your life are great fuel for your future fictional stories ~ change the names to protect the innocent (wink).

See you next time in our next Blog Session as we continue our discussion on The Writer's Comfort Levels with PART 8 "Hurt".

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 8

"Hurt"

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved