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The Power of Words


Poetry has always provided a way for me to more fully participate in life. It is a siren song. I respond to it with a barely concealed passion. I listen to my world and share what I have discovered.

Poetry floats in the air surrounding me- or so it feels. It is an impulse I respond to willingly. This intangible urge to connect brings forth the words.

Words have always gained my attention quite effortlessly. To take possession of them and apply them with deliberate and considered purpose has filled me with excitement all my life.


All The Worlds I Live In


All the worlds I live in

All the worlds I see

Won’t fit into one mouthful

When words spill out of me

Sometimes they’re words of fire

That emerge with spark and flame

Sometimes they’re gentle whispers

My worlds are not the same.

©Alan j Wright



It's Poetry Friday!

This week our host is Michelle Kogan. Michelle's post focuses on 'birthdays' and she presents a number of poems and artistic works to highlight this special, once a year day we all get to celebrate.



Comments

  1. Wow, what a perfect description of a life. We are all multi-faceted and don't want to be reduced to one type of poetry or one of anything. "My worlds are not the same" either. Such beautiful words and lines like:
    "Won’t fit into one mouthful" and both "words of fire" and "gentle whispers"
    Thank you. I needed this poem today.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Denise for your keen observations. I am always pleased when someone feels a sense of connection to the words I share. Your generous response is warmly received.

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  2. Thank you for sharing this poem about words. A "riot" of words? Your briefcase is awesome!

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    1. Thanks Janice. The suitcase is my 'Poet's Suitcase.' I use it to house samples of my poetry collection when visiting schools. It originally belonged to my grandfather.

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  3. I really connect with your statement at the beginning, and what a noble endeavor to "I listen to my world and share what I have discovered." Thanks also for your powerful poem of words and worlds, so much said in so few words. And that fun suitcase!

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    1. It pleases me to hear of your connection to my introductory words. Those beliefs have been honed across a lifetime, so they were well rehearsed prior to committing them to the page. Glad you liked the poem as well Michelle.

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  4. Alan, I love this poem! I simply must share it with my students...I want them to get caught up in words and poetry just like this.

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    1. Thanks Linda. It pleases me that you wish to share my words with a wider audience. I hope the passion spreads.

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  5. Your word excitement is palpable ! Your briefcase is amazing! Thanks for sharing both.

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    1. Thanks Molly. Glad it shone through. That'Poet's Suitcase' has become totemic to my identity as a poet. It is my suitcase of surprises when I visit classrooms with poetry treasures.

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  6. Alan, I love that you compared poetry to a siren song. Your muse moved you to write a reflective poem. Alan J. Write speaks!

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    1. A siren song indeed Carol... The muse is powerful when allowed to whisper in your ear. When we allow ourselves to indulge in some considered reflection, we allow ourselves to be informed. We should be happy to go there. Thanks for your comments. They have prompted me to continue this important process.

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