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Sunday, March 17, 2013

Why I Write

I write for myself
so I can express something
relive something
release something.
I write to hear my voice
to feel my words
to value myself.
I write to inspire
to awaken
to see
to reflect.
I write
for me.


Last night at about 11:15 I wrote a post for today. It was midnight by the time I was ready to stop reading/commenting/writing but I decided to wait to publish.
Then the day began and I wasn't feeling ready to hit the orange button on the screen.
I decided to take a walk in the woods behind our house. I took lots of photos and thought, perfect, this is a better slice for today.
Kids in bed, time to write for today and my husband says, "Did you watch that video about the guy from Cambodia yet?"
I hadn't. I had meant to. No better time than the present, right? I watched. Then I knew those other writing plans had changed.
I have posted the video below. It is very moving, raw and real.
Why do you write? 

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11 comments:

  1. StaceyMarch 17, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    I write so I can remember. There are so many things I don't want to forget. Without writing, funny moments and sad times would be lost. I want to hold on to it all.

    Betsy -- would I be able to republish this poem on TWT on an upcoming call for weekly slice of life stories? If so, please shoot me an email (you have my email address) and lmk if that's okay.

    Thanks!

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  2. DinaMarch 17, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    I write to process. I usually have a million things running through my mind 24/7. Writing allows me to process. I prefer to verbally process with someone, but that is not always possible living by myself. So, I write. Thanks for asking :)

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  3. RobinMarch 17, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    I write for a million reasons it seems. I write to reflect, to process feelings and thoughts. I write to work through doubt, to remember, and to learn. I love this poem Betsy. I will be printing it out to inspire me later.

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  4. Mrs. VMarch 17, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    I really enjoyed your poem, as well as the title. It opens up so many possibilities - so many reasons for so many purposes!

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  5. Ruth AyresMarch 17, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    I enjoyed your poem and can't wait to view the video.

    I write to live.

    Happy writing,
    Ruth

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  6. elsieMarch 17, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    Your poem says it so well, I do write for me and I didn't know that until I read your words. I appreciate you.

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  7. Kim DoeleMarch 17, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    I love your poem. It so completely expresses my feelings about writing too. I get that idea of writing to release and relive as well. I always feel like I know myself better after I write. You said it so well!

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  8. MichelleMarch 17, 2013 at 11:24 PM

    I also love your poem. I've been thinking a lot about this especially because of the challenge and the struggles of writing these last couple days. I write for myself as well, to hold onto the memories.

    Thank you for sharing the video too. Powerful.

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  9. birdsandtreesofthemindMarch 18, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    Repetition and rhythm make poetry lift off the page, and your poem is a great example of that. Clarity as power.

    I write for all the reasons you mention, and also just to play. To have fun. It's like a really complex Lego set. :)

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  10. Linda at teacherdanceMarch 18, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    It's a beautiful poem Betsy. I'll hold the video until later, like you did I guess. I write to capture things, for myself & family. Thanks for starting this journey in your slice!

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  11. JenniferMApril 9, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    I love your poem! I'm so glad Stacey shared it today, because I had missed it the first time! I write for all of the reasons you do, and sometimes I just write because I have to write, because the words are inside of me and I'll burst if I don't! (Hate when that happens at 3a.m.!) The three early lines with "something" and different verbs were my favorite -- neat repetitious structure! :-)

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