Intently seeking
confirmation, there’s
no notice taken as
poems dissipate behind
veil of
disinterest and fade to obscurity.
Intestate, the
words choke and die as I
surrender to fate.
So few bones thrown
in world of
literary validation if one
banks upon
comments as affirmation.
Laboring against such
obvious disparity,
eclipsed behind all
who’ve achieved popularity.
© Ginny Brannan 2013
This was partially inspired by, of all things, the reminder at different sites that after posting, we should read as many poems as we can and share comments. Reciprocation & encouragement. Validation. The question really is, do we write for writing's sake, or is it all about the recognition, the reaction, the number of comments we collect? Written a while ago and sharing tonight for
Sharing at d'Verse Poets Pub Open Link Night #93. C'mon by and check out what others have written!
ah well fame is fleeting...let me tell you...smiles...know your voice is not in vain...and lets be honest...many comments are like scribble on the bathroom wall hoping you call back and come to their place...i do rather like the conversation though and sense of community from many...that said, still dont lose your voice because it is important...smiles.
ReplyDelete... and that is why I do it for me. I enjoy learning, challenging myself, and truly appreciate when people read and enjoy what I wrote. You have a world of talent ...
ReplyDeleteThe comment thing on these sites is a two-edged sword. I love reading the poems and commenting on them, but I don't want the other writers to think I'm merely soliciting their visit to my blog. On the other hand, I fear they might be offended if I don't visit their blog prior to them visiting mine. I usually read comment on those whose blogs I subscribe to--not that many, because I simply don't have time--and then read and comment on those who read and comment on mine. I always feel as though I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't. What's a fella to do??
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel.
DeleteI have never been the popular sort even in my everyday life, I have always been a wallflower so naturally online I am invisible as well. I want to write and to share my work with the world. I am passionate about poetry not just writing it but reading it as well, I want my whole life to be poetry. I wish more saw the value and the beauty in the art.
ReplyDeletefor me it's both...writing behind the veil in silence but then i also want to know what others think about it.. so commenting not for comments sake but to keep the conversation going and to get an idea of what works and what doesn't...don't be silent...smiles...we need to hear all the different voices as that makes the pub such a rich place
ReplyDeletei think it is both...otherwise why choose the online medium...why not just keep them in a book under the bed...i think we all want a bit of validation...but i think too that we all on some level realize our inner connectedness as well...in a vacuum, without rubbing up against anything, will we ever get better?
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to hear what others think, but if that is the only reason you write, then you are destined for disappointment.
ReplyDeleteThere was a sadness in this poem I can so easily relate to. Whenever I get to this point, I have to remember why I write... to share my love of words with others. Ginny, you are very talented and I really appreicate you.
ReplyDeleteI think if you write it's only natural to want to share your words...I recall a terrific poet used to say Poetry is for people! I think that's true, it's an expression of our own selves and is always worth sharing. It's nice to receive comments but I guess some people are only interested in what they're doing and don't want to read other work. I figure they're are the ones missing out...there's some great stuff out there to read if you take the time. Anyway I really like this acrostic invisible poem.
ReplyDeleteSharing the words is therapeutic and knowing that we are heard is rewarding. Good questions, Ginny.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a catharsis and works both ways..a win win situation..I'm always finding something or someone new ;)
DeleteI think we have to write for ourselves, but then, when we are done, we inevitably seek our the ear to hear our words. It can be hard to find the balance, although in some small way, I think it drives us to be better, to put out best stuff out there. That is why I love this community, so much encouragement and support, healthy competition, a place to be heard.
ReplyDeleteI am so busy with children... someday I will have more time. I comment on all the poets who do the same challenge as I do and I can't always visit everyone who comments on mine. Over time I have a few favorites that if I see their name I click on (like you). I also wish you had a gadget that allowed me to follow you by email :)
ReplyDeleteWe all need approbation, validation...but we write for ourselves as well...first, because we just have to. Good to share and inspire and be inspired by fellow poets...A courageoous write!
ReplyDeleteI think most importantly it is best to write for ourselves. Probably most of us did this anyway before making our way to the blogosphere. For me the blogosphere was a brave leap. No one in the blogosphere wants to feel invisible. I think the more one participates the more visible one will eventually be and feel. Interaction with others just feels good! Do not feel invisible...you definitely are NOT.
ReplyDeleteI am just a nut who rhymes off my butt, just have fun and many come under my sun. When things just click have to beat them off with a stick lol and thanks for the review too!
ReplyDeletethat's why I started my blog in the first place, to put it out there and get it out of my head and heart, but oh, to know that someone else read it...such a feeling of being heard.
ReplyDeleteOne, brilliant poem. Two, you are so much more of a fine artist than the sum of any comments could hope to demonstrate. Thoughtful and right to and from the heart. Thank you, Gin! ~ j <3 xox
ReplyDeleteExcellent. I related to each line both with the sorrow of those who feel a need for validation and as a reminder of why I write. I used to race for early exposure then bemoaned the heavy load of reading in return and when life got in the way and I couldn't return favors, the guilt weighed heavy on me. Now I'm content to link late and enjoy the poetry without a guilt factor.
ReplyDeleteI write because I have no choice. It is what I do.
It would write even if it didn't get read. I spent two years with only one person reading it. It is so nice to get feedback and I am grateful for each response. The blessing for me is the talent I have been introduced to. It encourages me to do my best.
ReplyDeleteAstute observations, Ginny. These discussions help me remember the joy of the whole process is in the writing itself. Sometimes the commenting can become overwhelming. I value Jamie Dedes' poetry who has chosen to block comments so that the writing takes front row.
ReplyDeleteYes, we must write because we can't not write. Recognition is fun, but it's not always the reality. Your generous spirit, helping your friend with this, is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBack to reading this as I am visiting the above posts. Have you considered adding a Gadget on your sidebar "Follow by Email"? I would LOVE to subscribe to you!!! :) Let me know if you do this.
ReplyDelete