(Maggie, if you'd like me to move this to another section, just say)
After a conversation between Anna and I on Trish's Lonely River poem, I got to wondering, what got you all interested in poetry?
As I mentioned, I've only been writing for a few years. I wrote my first poem on a flight home from work one night. I was watching a film (can't remember what) and randomly felt the urge to stop and write down how I was feeling, into a poem. Wasn't much of a poem, but still, I was hooked, and began reading more. I really didn't know where to start, so would buy random books in second hand stores, from well known poets to the obscure, and write and read at every opportunity until I found poets and a style I was comfortable with. I joined poetry circle which I found reasonably useful at the time, it was there I first came across Anna and Tom, however I don't use PC at all anymore. I don't why, but I remember being surprised at how much bickering went on. Now I know the poet's ego is a sensitive thing! I later joined a writing group, who would meet weekly, but unfortunately haven't found anything similar since moving back to Ireland.
I remember when I got my first poem accepted, I told my mum, who didn't know I had developed an interest in poetry. She got up and left the room, returning a few minutes later with a mint condition copy of Seamus Heaney's Haw Lantern, with a personal dedication to me from Seamus. He had visited the primary school where she taught, some 20 years previous, and he signed a few books. She thought then was the perfect moment to give it to me. I've attached a pic of it.
I don't know what drives me to write, I just enjoy it immensely, and feel a release or accomplishment each time I finish a poem, even if the poem itself is not very good. I'm not a prolific writer, at this point in my life anyway, and read more than I write. I don't believe I'll ever have multiple collections published but I would like to have one, even if I publish it myself, just to have. Also if time permits, at some point I'd like to study poetry, formally.
I would love to hear how the rest of you started out. If you don't want to share that's absolutely fine. I'm just intrigued.
I never wanted to be a poet. I wanted to be a short story writer.
I began writing poetry when I lived in Honolulu, I was very inspired by the ocean, the Hawaiian histories and legends. When I discovered that a childhood friend had sickened and died, I wrote a poem about her, which ended up being published. I couldn't believe how good that felt. I left Hawaii and moved back to Seattle. I find it much harder to write here. I discovered Poetry Circle, after spending time at a site called Poetry Critical, where I got to know Jenn Zed, and Starr. The amount of fighting at Poetry Critical was frightening; , some lunatic was pursuing Jenn which disturbed me on her behalf, but I felt helpless to stop it. I'm grateful in retrospect, for my time there, because I got to know Jenn and Starr, two poets I love and admire.
Scribble Camp members offer excellent critiques, which I value.
Thank you for sharing your story, Niall, I find it very interesting. That must have been a wonderful shock when your mother brought out a SIGNED copy of Seamus Heaney's book of poems!
Edited to ask:
Did you ever encounter Seamus Heaney in your town, growing up?
I saw him around a few times, but would never have spoken to him, I was just a young kid. Bellaghy (pronounced with silent G) is a small place, just a village. Certainly in those days, everybody knew everybody.
That's really interesting Trish. I can imagine how Hawaii would inspire you. Seattle has it's own beauty too though? It's one of the places I hope to visit someday.
Don't you write short stories anymore?
Niall, if you ever plan to visit Seattle, you HAVE to look me up! I would be hurt if you didn't! Seattle is a family-friendly place. It's a lot of fun. Don't believe what you might hear on the news, that it is all violent protests, etc. No, I've only just starting writing short stories again, I find them much harder. Well, yes, you would have been very young to be around Seamus Heaney....but I can't help but think how delighted he would have been for a young boy to go up and talk poetry with him!
Yes I would imagine so, but knowing the young folk of Bellaghy, the chances were slim!
And for sure, if I ever make it over, I will certainly let you know, Trish. Thanks for sharing your story.
Ps would be great to see one of your short stories on here sometime.
I might just throw up some micro fiction. Thank you.
Okay, I googled Bellaghy and it looks GORGEOUS.
Ha! That's a strong word to say about Bellaghy, but I guess it has a certain charm. During the troubles it was quite a significant little village. Thankfully those days are gone, and in place of the old RUC station (highly fortified police station) the Seamus Heaney Homeplace was built - a centre dedicated to the life of Heaney, as well as literature and the arts in general. Van Morrison (you know him right? ) even played a couple of gigs there recently. For a little place like Bellaghy, it is quite a tourist draw.
Yes, I saw that during the hunger strikes of 1980, which I realize was before your time, but which I have heard of, some of the hunger strikers came from Bellaghy. I like the sound of a Seamus Heaney arts center much better than a police station. With you there. Yes,, I know Van Morrison, love his music. Paul Brady has played in Bellaghy, too, as you know of course. Those musicians have both played in Seattle, but it's been a long time. I don't know you what you mean ... the town looks extremely pretty, I remember driving through places like that in Co. Derry, but honestly, can't remember if we made it to Bellaghy.
Love this section of scribble camp. Could be called "getting to know you"...
Got to be honest, I've never really been interested in why someone chooses to write, or when and why they first started-- if I'm looking to be inspired, I might read about their life, and their thoughts on poetry, but otherwise (present company excluded) poets don't really interest me, only their writing interests me.
I was an idiot when I was younger, with a lot of harebrained ideas (most of which I picked up at school) like, all that matters is self expression. Which explains why almost everything I wrote before the age of 40 was drivel. It was forums, like this place, that gave me a reason to write, and the ability.
Hi David, that's fair enough. You are right, it's not that important why people started, but personally I find it interesting, especially with the people here.
I do agree, the online forums have helped me plenty, also. Thanks, Niall.
I REALLY enjoy knowing about poets' lives, I often find them as fascinating as their work, often, I guess I'm the opposite. :-)
In my experience it is the EXCHANGE of diverse ideas, platforms, experiences based on often very different lives that makes life interesting and often, insufferable. It's like life. One doesn't ordinarily live in perfect weather 24/7 all one's life However, the storms usually subside and with it comes fresh air, sunlight and hope.
I had an unexpected visit to my parents house today, and with an hour to spare, visited the Seamus Heaney "Homeplace". If any of you get the chance to visit Ireland, you should put this on your to do list. Even if you're not an admirer, I would highly recommend a visit.
Here is an audio clip I recorded today, of Mid-Term Break, a poem about his younger brother who died in a road accident.
i very much like the cellphone shadow in this photo