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hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

0 posted 1999-09-12 10:51 AM


Death Of A Poet

“Why are you writing?
You’re wasting your time,
You’ve no sense of rhythm,
You’ve no sense of rhyme.”
“You’re misleading yourself,
For poetry’s an art.
You write much too simple,
You write from your heart.”
“People won’t read it,
They’ll just turn away.
Your words are too boring,
You’ve nothing to say.”
“Give up your dream,
No writer you’ll be.
Relax and admit it,
Why can’t you see?”
So with sad heart,
She put down her pen;
Gave up on her writing
All her dreams and then,
She built up some walls
Behind which to hide;
Wrote her feelings no longer;
And inside she died.
The death of a poet,
Over which no one grieved,
She would have kept writing,
Had someone believed.

------------------
"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anais Nin

[This message has been edited by hoot_owl_rn (edited 09-12-99).]

© Copyright 1999 Ruth Kephart - All Rights Reserved
Elizabeth
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Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
1 posted 1999-09-12 11:09 AM


I believe, Hoot. Something we should all think of.

------------------
*Elizabeth*

"Dwelt a maid belov'd and cherish'd by high and low,
But with autumn leaf she perish'd, long time ago..."



[This message has been edited by Elizabeth (edited 09-12-99).]

Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
2 posted 1999-09-12 11:13 AM


This speaks volumes! Not only is it a good poem, it says a lot about what effect someone's opinion has on the way we feel about our writing. How many of us (including me) have let others sway us into thinking our work is not worthy?

I believe in all poets here!

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
3 posted 1999-09-12 11:31 AM


Elizabeth...thank you

Poet...how very true. I gave up writing for over 14 years because someone didn't believe, told me my work stunk, told me to "Loose the dream". I literally died inside. I'm glad I believed enough in myself to write again after all those years. Since, I have begun to make a small name for myself as a poet in the publishing world, so much for giving up on my dream.

My advice to everyone is..."don't worry about whether others believe in you or not, yes, that is wonderful and it is a big help, but the key is...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF"
By the way...I believe in everyone on this forum!!!

------------------
"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anais Nin

Master
Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867
Boston, MA
4 posted 1999-09-12 11:34 AM


I definitly believe in you...
Elizabeth
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Minnesota
5 posted 1999-09-12 11:38 AM


I am glad you do! I have often felt my work is not "good" enough. I would show some poems to friends, and they had nothing nice to say. That is not the case now, thankfully, but often I am wary of showing my works to others. Thank God for Passions in Poetry.

------------------
*Elizabeth*

"Dwelt a maid belov'd and cherish'd by high and low,
But with autumn leaf she perish'd, long time ago..."


hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
6 posted 1999-09-12 11:45 AM


Elizabeth, thank you very much

Master...what a nice thing to say, I'm blushing here

------------------
"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anais Nin

caroline
Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218
http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm
7 posted 1999-09-12 12:34 PM


hoot_owl I love this poem...I was there myself, and not only was my poetry not good enough, nothing else I did was good enough either. I did as you did, and stopped writing for years. The day came when I had to know who I am...I didn't know, and no one could tell me either. So pen in hand, off I went to find out. Glad I did ...Glad you did too, friend

------------------
The only man worth your tears will never make you cry...

U K Hero
Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 266
England
8 posted 1999-09-12 12:59 PM


Tremendous hout_,

And its right its one that we can all liase with…

Excellent…

Denise
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

9 posted 1999-09-12 01:24 PM


Another great one Hoot! BTW, what is the secret to getting something published. I've followed all the 'rules' of publsihers' etiquet regarding subject matter, length, style and of course the 'sacred' SASE and I've never even had the courtesy of a reply from any of them! Is this common?

Thanks for any suggestions!

------------------
Denise

Sherri_baby
New Member
since 1999-09-11
Posts 3

10 posted 1999-09-12 01:24 PM


Wow That was a wonderful poem :-) you have real talent. Keep at it.
Pepper
Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079
Southern Florida
11 posted 1999-09-12 02:37 PM


I am glad,Hoot, that you believed in yourself enough to return to your writing...I,for one,do so enjoy reading your wonderful work.......

------------------

May your days be filled with lots of sunshine and your nights lit up by golden moonbeams

Buzzygirl
Junior Member
since 1999-09-11
Posts 42
St. Paul, MN USA
12 posted 1999-09-12 02:40 PM


This strikes a chord within me, someone who is just now finding the courage to let loose with her own poetic voice after being so unsure for so long-- a little encouragement goes a long way. Thanks for elucidating this so well, hoot. It's only my second day here, and already I feel so uplifted by the poems of everyone who contributes here. Thank you! - Buzzygirl
Craig
Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 444

13 posted 1999-09-12 02:44 PM



Great poem Ruth.

------------------
Yes, I admit your general rule. That every poet is a fool:
But I myself may serve to show it. That every fool is not a poet.


Sue
Member
since 1999-08-04
Posts 383
France
14 posted 1999-09-12 07:05 PM


How can someone with your talent ever be persuaded that she is no good? Don't ever let it happen again, about anything.
I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE!

WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
15 posted 1999-09-12 08:09 PM


Hoot, can't find the bottom of replies! LOL
You have touched me and seems a lot of others with this poem. That is how I feel, like my words are nothing, no big thing. I don't feel to confident in my writings...
Your work is moving and well written, beautiful!! I don't think there is a thing I have read that you wrote that I haven't liked. I am glad that you started to write again. God bless ya Hoot!!!!
I know I get disheartend when I read something to my mom, who also writes, and she says uh huh! Thanks mom. ya know?
Thanks for writing this piece.

Angel Rand
Member
since 1999-09-04
Posts 134
London UK, and Zurich Switzerland
16 posted 1999-09-12 08:15 PM


Hoot those ppl who told you to stop, must have been blind and deaf! I love your work! But I know what it feels like all too well! I am glad I found this place if only to get some inspiration by you ppl! You all have such wonderful talents and I am flattered and encouraged when you read my stuff! Who ever it was who came up with this place, THANK YOU! I love it here!
Angel

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
17 posted 1999-09-12 08:45 PM


Thank you each and everyone of you...The talent portrayed here in this site is unbelieveable. Thank you all for your overwhelming support and for being my friends.

Denise...if you want to know about publishing, e-mail me, I'll be happy to give you some info.

------------------
"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anais Nin

johnt300
Member
since 1999-09-12
Posts 214
san diego, ca.
18 posted 1999-09-12 08:56 PM


Excellent poem once again. I look forward to them all.
Tyson

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

19 posted 1999-09-12 08:57 PM


Thanks Hoot! I'll do that as soon as my e-mail gets straightened out. I can receive but not send. I've been putting it off, as I don't relish the thought of being on terminal hold with 'support'. One day soon though. Perhaps you can tell me what I am doing wrong! I've read all the books, followed all the rules,always sent an SASE
and responses? Not a one! Thanks again!

[This message has been edited by dsnyder (edited 09-12-99).]

beowulf_26
Member
since 1999-06-29
Posts 183

20 posted 1999-09-15 10:20 PM


This poem definetly deserves another chance up front. After finishing it all I could think was "ouch." Truly one of the most tragic things that can happen, the stifling (sp?) of one's soul and spirit. Thank you hoot.

------------------
Opinions are like bellybuttons: eveybody's got 'em and they're good for nothing.

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
21 posted 1999-09-15 10:26 PM


Bewulf.....I am in total agreement!! Thanks for the bump back up

------------------
"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

RainbowGirl
Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023
United Kingdom
22 posted 1999-09-15 10:54 PM


Hoot:

Why are you writing..sorry to quote you back here...but..this is my answer but using your words...

"For poetry’s an art.
You write from your heart.”

and you mean every word....

HUGS



------------------
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.


Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
23 posted 1999-09-16 12:27 PM


Welcome back to life, and thank you for the inspiration... to never quit!
Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
24 posted 1999-09-16 12:33 PM


Thanks for inspiring me to continue to want to write!! I do not intend to give up, I hope to just get better!!

I loved it!!





------------------
"Is she living in a dream, Is she playing make-believe???"
Justbleu


hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
25 posted 1999-09-16 09:02 AM


Rainbow, justblue and Christopher, thank you all very much

------------------
"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

Iloveit
Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121
NM
26 posted 1999-09-16 11:20 AM


hoot, here's another bump up, this is excellent, like Rainbow girl says you put so much of your heart in your work, and you have a beautiful heart.....well she didn't say that exactly, I embellished a bit, but its still true!
suthern
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since 1999-07-29
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Louisiana
27 posted 1999-09-16 11:52 AM


Wonderful poem, Hoot... I'm just sorry your poetic voice was stifled for all those years! It's amazing what even a little encouragement can do for our faith in ourselves... and how much we appreciate those who take the time and make the effort to give that encouragement!! Keep up the great work!
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
28 posted 1999-09-16 12:13 PM


Lady Hoot: How I do understand. I got shot down in the forth grade. I wrote a story about Snoopy and the Red Baron… pictures and everything. I though it was great! I was very proud of my accomplishment. My teacher on the other hand thought it was inappropriate and that I should have done something else. She obviously didn't like my work. Talk about a young mind being devastated. Now, some 25 plus years later I'm starting to write again for my own pleasure. Poetry is only something I've picked up in the last six months. And though I've reestablished that belief in myself, it sure is nice to know others enjoy and believe in your work as well. There are a great number of those within these poetic halls I admire for their skill and talent… you are one such person. I believe in your gift as do a great many others… I'm glad you found it again and are willing to share it with us.
miriam
Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 323
glendale,ca.
29 posted 1999-09-16 12:58 PM


I stopped writing myself for about two to three years. Now all I do is write. I still get bad comments on my poetry. But it will never add up to all the good comments i get here ! I love your poems, each and everyone of them. Keep it up.
LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
30 posted 1999-09-16 01:10 PM


Hootessa

And what did you learn? Did you learn that the true joy in creating is not what others derive from it, but what it does to you? Did you learn that he didn't stop you from writing without your permission? Did you learn that the worse critic you will ever face is yourself? Did you learn that the past has passed, and its not what you lost, but what you've yet to find that will define who you are? Personally, I think you are a wonderful poet, far from being dead, and a very good source of inspiration. Did you learn that it doesn't matter what I think about your poetry as long as you are happy with what you write? Welcome to your resurrection. We've been waiting for you. But, even if there was nobody here, even if nobody loved what you write, you would still be a poet.

Hugs

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
31 posted 1999-09-16 03:22 PM


Long John...you are so right, I will always be a poet even if I am not a good poet. It is wonderful if others like and can relate to your work, even better if publishers like it, but the most important thing is "Does my work please me?" If I can answer yes to that, I have succeeded. I write to please myself, to define myself above all else.

Andrew....thank you so very much. I am glad you too started writing again. Had you not it would have been a tragedy for all of us who love and admire your work here as well as yourself who speaks through your words.

Iloveit, southern and mairam....thank you each and every one of you

------------------
"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

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