Using poetry to put a different spin on negativity
Things are not always what they seem like in the beginning.
So, I’m currently reading the poetry chapter of Janet Burroway’s book Imaginative Writing and really, it is quite a compelling read.
I’ve just finished the section on formal and free verse, and I gave Burroway’s writing prompt a go. “Find a word or phrase with a meaning you consider negative, but of which you like the sound.”
It took me all of fifteen minutes to produce (and edit) this:
Hate, The Unexpected
Hate.
Reminds me
Of leaving behind
What I no longer needed,
And of all the good things
That followed.
Hate.
Taught me
Not to place love
In different boxes,
There’s always space
If you make some.
Hate.
Told me
That scars are beautiful
And warm to the touch,
That cold hearts thaw
And mend for good.
Hate.
Touched me
And I recoiled
With bitterness on my tongue,
But then it left
And sweetness sprouted in its wake.
This prompt certainly made me rethink the way I have always viewed hate: with repulsion and regret, especially when it was directed at me. I’m thankful for this book, because of the wonder it inspires in me.
Writing this poem was cathartic; it’s the first time in my life I’ve regarded hate with compassion, gratefulness, even.
What negative word, thought, feeling or situation that “sounds nice” could you turn into a positive one today? Think about it, it might make all the difference.
Love and light,
Sharmila
Love this babe. Such a poetic soul you are