The Art of Poetry: Inspiration, Process, and Learning

When it comes to poetry, finding the right inspiration and learning to express it can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. While some may suggest writing about familiar topics like nature or personal experiences, the true essence of poetry lies in a unique relationship with words—inspiration that comes from within and around you.

Where Do Poets Get Inspiration?

The journey of a poet often begins with inspiration, whether from somewhere within or outside the frame of their daily life. Sometimes, inspiration arises from nowhere, striking as a few words pop up unexpectedly. Other times, an intense feeling or a vivid memory serves as the starting point. Occasionally, it could be a simple scene, like a kitchen window catching a perfect light, leading to creative expression.

For instance, a poet might observe a simple domestic scene, like the light filtering through a lightly transparent curtain, and find a muse in it. Inspiration can also come from the smallest or most surprising everyday occurrences.

Developing Your Craft and Becoming a Poet

Becoming a poet isn't just about natural talent; it's about hard work and dedication. Some people are naturally inclined, but everyone can develop their skills with practice and patience. Writing poetry is a process of discovery, where both the poem and the poet evolve together.

The question of whether you can learn to write poetry has sparked debates for ages. The answer is that yes, you can learn to write poetry, but it requires dedication and effort. Over time, continuous practice will refine your abilities, but whether this will make you a great poet is open to interpretation. Talent does play a significant role, but hard work is equally important.

A Personal Story of Inspiration

In my personal experience, the first poem I ever wrote was at the age of 18, in college. I had dinner in the hostel mess around 9 PM, alone, and felt an overwhelming urge to put my thoughts to paper. Within 20 minutes, a love poem of 12 lines flowed out. Interestingly, it was written to an imaginary lover, as I wasn't in love with anyone at the time.

It took another 7 years for inspiration to strike again, this time after falling in love. A short poem of 4 lines was the result. Since then, my inspiration has been sporadic, leading me to write the poem on old age last year during my retired life.

Though inspiration often comes unbidden, an avid reader and writer, like myself, might find the process of writing poetry less daunting. Nonetheless, if one is passionate about exploring their feelings through poetry, they should take it seriously and not be afraid to express themselves.

As I have described, my recent poem on old age:

HAPPINESS

/ Quick I climbed the mountain trail
/ And hardly stopped while on my way
/ I reached the mountain peak so soon
/ And yelled a loud cheer on my feat.

/ I took the challenge when my friend
/ Asked me to run the steps uphill
/ I ran the hundred steps non-stop
/ And then let out a cry of joy.

/ At college I ran the marathon
/ To prove that I can do that run
/ And I finished the tough challenge
/ Happy and proud to prove my worth.

/ Youth is the time of happiness
/ When you can do just what you want
/ Win races challenges and so much more
/ And shout your victory to all the world.

/ But time keeps moving on and on
/ And now I find my youth is gone.
/ I climb the stairs at home with care
/ As I am now gone past sixty five.

/ I think back on my youth and feats
/ I feel sad that I had lost all that
/ What hope do I have any more
/ To get back all that happiness

/ But when I think of my children
/ And also of my grandchildren
/ When I feel warm love flow from them
/ I smile and find true happiness.

In this poem, I reflect on the joys of youth and the bittersweet realities of aging, finding solace in the love of family.

Ultimately, poetry is about capturing the essence of life and emotions, whether it comes from within or without. By practicing and recognizing the inspiration around us, anyone can learn to write poetry and express their innermost thoughts and feelings.