Poetry, by it's very nature is secretively personal, whatever the emotional circumstance. I have ones from when I was sure I was in the deepest love or pain (sometimes both at the same time)that I was sure were brilliant at the time, but now I shake my head at how little I knew about either thing at that time. I would never let them go though. They are more than mine. They are the manifestation of something significant enough for me to document.
Because of that personal nature, poetry is so very intimate. To send out a manuscript is a huge step of chance. It feels riskier than other forms of writing. It is standing naked at the Super Bowl and asking everyone what they think of your body, and then compare it to others equally naked.
I just mailed my first collection of poetry to be judged. I'm at the 50 yard line, during half time, and I can't see how much time is left on the clock.
Exciting, isn't it......?
I am so proud of you. It is intensely personal and it's hard to let go of it, to send it off... and see what the world thinks. But what the world thinks isn't the most important, it's letting yourself open to the world, to share, and in that sharing, grow. It's a milestone and one you have passed with flying colors. You have done very well.
ReplyDelete