Creative Writing: Part 3, Poetry - Lyrical heartbeats of the Soul

Lyrical Heartbeats of the Soul

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Doesn't it always feel good when you read poetry that has a soul to it? I'm not necessarily talking about just love and romance or wooing a beloved. I'm talking about 'the reader connecting with the poet' through the contents of the poem. I have always loved William Shakespeare's sonnets. But even more, am I a bigger fan of William Wordsworth's poems. (What is it with these Williams? I wouldn't be surprised if you Williams out there are poets. Seriously.) I mean, take a look at the poem The Daffodils. It has always, always (double always on purpose) fascinated me. What is it that these great poets have that we aspire to have? Is it 'soul'? Is it 'emotions'? Is it a command over one's language? Or is it just a knack for converting expressions and ideas into words?

This week I will take you through some basics of writing good poetry. No, this was not necessarily taught to me in black and white, but is my collection of handy tips from the past few years' interaction with ordinary people like you and me who love to write poetry.

There is one question that always nags my mind when I see it at the forums and discussions. 'Is poetry subjective?' I can understand when people share their opinion about a poem being written for themselves. At the same time, does it have to relate only to the poet or 'what is it that makes good poetry stand out from the lot?' I am sure all of us who rate poetry, especially at Helium, ask ourselves this question, with the amount of poetry that floods the site.

Writer of the Week

Adam Clark

“I guess it’s subjective, in that a poem may be based on the writer's personal interpretation of the subject. But what separates good poetry from the bad is the objective part, like the science of writing poetry. Edgar Allen Poe has a great lecture on this, titled 'The Philosophy of Composition'.

See, poetry like all arts, is a magic show. It looks so full of wonder and magic, but when you look behind the curtain, you see that it’s all calculated tricks; smoke and mirrors. This is what separates the pros from the amateurs. The pros embrace the boring science of the art form, while the amateur embraces the romantic idea of it.

It’s like when you hear piano music being played. You may picture the foot pedal being pressed, the left hand playing this, the right hand playing that while the notes are on the page. When I hear music, I can lay back and enjoy its seemingly magic effect. Why? Because I don't know what's behind the curtain. I am not burdened by that knowledge. It's the poet that has the hardest time appreciating poetry. Instead he appreciates technique; never getting the full effect that the poem intends. Of course, sometimes in making art, you have what Bob Ross famously coined as ‘Happy little accidents’ which is when you unintentionally create something that is later recognized as a great element in your work.”

With this in mind we can take a look at a few basic points that make up the 'science of writing poetry'. I'm not going to beat around the bush, but come straight to the points I have in mind. While these may be only a few pointers, I am sure the more experienced poets from among us can shed their light on what they think makes up good poetry. The points that I mention are in random order.

1. When writing poetry, follow the same grammar rules of prose. That is, the sentence you write should have some concrete structure and meaning. Put commas where commas should go / periods where periods should be. Even if you use only phrases, there should be connectivity between phrases.

2. Always have a concrete imagery. Even if your title or topic is abstract, like for example, if you were depicting 'Pain', jot down words that will describe pain, or be alternative words to be used for pain. These could be agony, hurt, torture, ache, etc. Another example, If you are writing about freedom, you could use words like 'bell rings, break chains, unlock, soar high, run away, escape...)

3. If you plan to write a rhyming poem, try writing with a specific syllable count per line. Begin the first line with something like 8 counts (safe bet) and then work the next line and so forth with 8 counts. Do not work on the rhymes right away, but get your theme / plot / setting right first.

4. Once you get your setting right, work on your end rhymes. Do not use the most common rhymes, but try using a Google search for 'words rhyming with... ‘and you will get 3+ letter words with the same end rhyme or at least with half rhymes.

5. Use metaphors if needed, but the metaphors must be true and relevant. For example, if you are to relate something to ‘being like the desert’, your description of it should likewise imply the desert mood or setting.

6. When converting a sentence draft to a poem, drop the pronouns, articles and conjunctions as much as possible. Put in your imagery as concise, easily understood phrases (this is part of poetic licence). At the same time, maintain continuity in thought from one line to the next.

7. In freeverse poetry, write as you may without rhyming and syllable count, but maintain poetry more than prose. Nobody wants to read a narration of events which could be got in prose. What the reader needs to see is the poet's flair, or flow of poetic language.

8. Your choice of adjectives can create the mood of the poem.

When writing something that shows your liveliness, use words that also express liveliness, like brightness, spring, sunshine, radiance, bounce, laughter, smile, twinkle, etc.

When writing dark poetry, use words that can create such a setting the same way you would do in prose too.

9. If you're writing many verses, make sure that all the verse center around the theme; ie. do not divert on another tangent. Sometimes we can begin with one idea, but tend to end up with another. So always when in doubt, refer to your title. (These are for titles that are put up at Helium). If you are writing your own poem, apart from this site, create a title by which you will center your poem around it. Even if you use the Helium titles, you can create your own subtitle and then write your poem. So whatever it is... concentrate on the same theme throughout.

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What does Poetry mean to you?

This is a question I asked my friends last week. The response has been amazing. Maybe in a day or two I might try to connect back-links to each one's pages - but for now it’s just overwhelming to receive your feedback and support. Thank you for this. :)

Gerard Quain: It means passion, the resonating echoes of mind and heart

Linda Hurley: Skip when rating ;)

Angela Masters Young: playing with words

Saoirse O'Mara: A means to express strong feelings.

Alexandra Heep: To me, it means conveying emotions or evoking them, while using unusual words

Gerard Quain: The only unusual word these days is love, it gets abused in ways no one thought possible

Darryl Bunty Rosario: ‎...thoughts and expressions..in a nutshell !!!!

Gavin Serrao: A poem is a story, or just the way I feel, expressed in Rhyme, and Rhythmic zeal. To say what I want, even if nonsense, with the convenient excuse, of poetic license!

Son Saturn: poetry is an expression.

Sunitha Fidelis: Poetry is a dream world where we forget ourselves, and also a place where we can express our happiness and sorrows..

Mac Pike: Silly doggerel rhyming to engender either groan, snicker, or stricken cry of outrage.

Deborah Bauers: Poetry is an outlet for what I feel in my soul.

Jane Anderson: Hmmm... Poetry is an artistic expression of the heart, channeled through the mind and conveyed through words. And of course, expressions of the heart are what you feel when you write a poem, not that I've written any. But it’s a transference of the mood of the poet to the reader in language that is beyond merely a string of words and that which makes an impact upon the reader.

W. Diane Van Zwol: Love Poetry is my passion!

Julie Sawyer Helms: My very politically-incorrect answer is that poetry should show/examine the beauty of God's creation, the quirks of human nature or animal behavior, and the flexibility of language. I do not enjoy self-absorbed poems (oh woe is me because of...)

Glory Lennon: An expression of emotion in rhyming sing-song fashion with silent music.

Ruth Olivia Bredbenner: Poetry for me is an unbridled opportunity for creative expression, if inspired, I begin with no ending in mind, I am on freeflow and travel wherever my heart leads me. Words just spill out onto the page, on an unknown journey. I t is as if I am just along for the ride to wherever it takes me. Even I am sometimes surprised where we land.

Cherry Kelly: Creative expressions - spur of the moment (like late last evening) or created over time. When it happens it just happens!

Charlotte Howard: A way to express my emotions at that point in time.

Angela Masters Young: I often start out with a concept I want to express creatively and start 'playing' with words or phrases and placement... until it tells me it's done:) I love the expression part of it, but I really love the word play -- can I take a word or concept and put it together like a puzzle of sorts that expresses and yet allows the words to do their thing.

Mona Gallagher: It depends on the poetry - I love to read lyrical poetry (Hearn in particular) Once I wrote spontaneously and was published, but except for a one or two, they are very forgettable. --but Now I write with purpose-to touch recovering hearts- and I labor over each phrase. ---Planning audio production with a wonderful male voice to do the reading.

Cherry Kelly: I have had poetry published in numerous anthologies over the years from 3rd grade - through college (needless to say numerous decades) different genres (publications) prefer different poetry... I write - what is chosen is -- what isn't - is not.. WRITE from your heart!

Jay Maul: Poetry is the never-ending quest to put into words what we see, hear, and feel. It is an artistic arrangement of language: a portrait painted with letters, a sculpture chiseled with words. Poetry is a reflection of humanity-its ugliness and its beauty, its evils and its goodness. It is the expression of our relationship with God, with the world, and with ourselves.

Darren Horton: Regarding poetry. I like to try all types. I especially like the challenge of strict forms (I also like puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, etc, so that might be why). The hardest thing for me is meter and trying to be poetic within the boundaries. I think the rhyming and syllable count is the easy bit.

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Feedback from Diane Quinn

When it comes to poetry, I know what I like and sometimes poems move me in a way that other writing doesn't; perhaps because poetry emanates more from the soul than other writing genres.

My first recommendation has to be my old friend Jon Coe. You only have to read one of his works to know he's an excellent poet. I found this one that reveals a lot about Jon that I didn't know and his poem sits at 1 of 206 for good reason:

My painful past – Jon Coe

If you haven't already featured him, Raymond's poem about Bob the Eleventh is charming and fanciful and is, in a sense, a blueprint for his creative mind.

Cats – Raymond Alexander Kukkee

I also like this one of your's Mandy. It sits on top of a lot of other poems in the title also for good reason. Like Jon's poem, this one reveals a lot about you and why you have grown into the wonderful wife, mother, and friend that we all know you to be.

In my home - Amanda Dcosta

I also like Alex's poem about summer from our challenge. It sits at 7 of 155 because it is really good--short, but packed with fascinating word power:

Summer – Alexandra Heep

I like this one of Elie's. The message of "don't give up, anything is possible", never gets old. There are times that Elie appears wise beyond her years. She is a rising star!

Anything is possible – Elie Hutcheson

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Last but not the least is a set of poems that I have found quite entertaining. This has been contributed by Rex Trulove. "I've read my share of very poor poetry, sometimes by people thought of as a poetry 'giant'. I've read great poetry by virtually unknown poets that made me laugh, cry and to feel genuine emotions. To me, a good poem is one that Ican identify with, and that can make me feel, with the poet's words. (that may sound crazy or corny, perhaps a bit forlorny). When I *think* of poetry, I think of my brother, who has written some poetry that never fails to make me laugh."

Ol Charlie

Ol Charlie was an alley cat, his whiskers long and sleek.

The others never realized he had a yellow streak.

He strutted here he strutted there, he scared the feared masked bandit.

His cowardice was never where the other cats could find it.

They said, "He's strong!", they said, "He's brave! He's never lost a battle!"

"He's through," a little mouse began to rave, "for I'm about to tattle!"

"I saw him once, I saw him lose," the little mouse began.

"My mother took the ugly brute and knocked him on his can!"

Well, Ol Charlie slank away for he realized that

it wasn't fitting and proper, for an alley cat.

Yes, Charlie was an alley cat, now he'd better stick to galleys,

For there isn't a single mouse whose afraid of Charlie’s alleys.

Charlie's Comeback

I saw this feller the other day, the feller said to me,

"How's Ol Charlie anyway?", he laughed and slapped his knee.

"You shouldn't laugh," I said to him as he looked at me concerned.

"His past may seem a trifle dim...that leaf he's overturned."

"Into the country Charlie went, far from any house.

This self converted city gent hardly ever touched a mouse.

Muskrats and otters he would hunt with skill he soon developed

but in later adventures, his heart was soon enveloped."

"Rough time he had but anyhow, he finally learned the trick.

In a ring with the cat now, Joe Lewis would look sick."

"Where's he now?" the feller asked, "And what you suppose he's huntin'?"

"Suburbs, where I saw him last, his diet's really somethin'."

"Yes, Charlie's come quite a ways from what he used to be.

Make him mad now, you're sure to pay, he'll run you up a tree!

Advice to you, I will give, and by this rule you should abide:

Keep your doors locked at night and keep your DOG inside!"

(Author of these is Rex Trulove's brother, Steve Trulove)

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Creative Writing Guides

How to write a Shakespearean sonnet

How to write good poetry

Creative Writing: Part 2, Words: A Writer's Life

Words: A Writer’s Life

Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to become a writer. I didn’t know how I would get there, or reach where I am now, but I wanted to be a writer. I had this nagging habit of being distracted by scraps of paper I’d come across and get engrossed in reading when I had to be doing other things.

Almost all of us who are writers now have gone through such phases in our lives. Anticipation, anxiety, eagerness and an uncanny attraction to words: All the while wishing we could live the life of the Great Writers. Of course, the skill at writing develops along the way, and the more one writes, the more one grows as a writer.

Sometimes it is worthwhile to look up to writers who have made it big time. It is also good to know who to approach for help when doubting one’s literary skill. I don’t necessarily mean the Bestseller Writers who’ve written great literary works and are legends; yet difficult to reach. But right here in our company we have our legendry story tellers and book writers who have a rare talent for ‘writing stories that tell a story’.

Today at Mandy’s Pages, we’ll take a look at book excerpts, why Glory writes, and most of all, what others have to say about your work. Last week we have seen a few writers reach the limelight. This week, I’ve asked them to give an insight into writers that have inspired them and influenced their work; the very reason why they themselves have become credible writers.

Writer of the Week

Glory Lennon

As anyone who knows me can tell, I have no delusions of grandeur. I don’t expect anyone to see a literary genius in me (heaven forbid!) nor do I expect to write the next bestseller and I don’t care if no one or everyone reads what silliness I write. I just like to write.

Don’t get me wrong. I love it when someone, a friend, stranger or foe, tells me they find some enjoyment from a story I tell, but I won’t allow that to get to my head. With all those people out there reading anything online, some are bound to like something I scribble down. I figure the odds are in my favor!

What do I write? Oh, just funny little stories of no great import and somewhat epic novels with no end in sight (see Violet’s in Bloom for proof of that!) I just know that nothing’s going to stop me from writing, not bad reviews, rolling eyes nor wagging fingers telling me to stop splitting infinitives (I guess I really should learn what an infinitive is, huh?)

I tell no lies. I write for me, not my ego. I write to make myself happy, not for accolades. I write for my own enjoyment, for my peace of mind, for my sanity. Some may say they see no evidence that my writing has improved my link to reality and they’d be right, indeed.

But I’ll turn around and say, “Just imagine me if I couldn’t get the voices out of my head!” SCARY!

Glory recommends

A Fool and his wish by John Devera

Humor: The problems associates with growing old by Diane Quinn

WOW!!!

Moving on, Conny Manero has quite an impressive collection of books. I'm not talking about a library of books that we've collected over the years to read or as our favorites. These are books that she has personally applied her talent to. These are stories that she has written; each a tale in itself. Take a look at her work. You will find that she so skillfully crafts her stories around characters we can relate to. And more importantly is her humane side; her unmistakable love for animals.

Here are three of her book excerpts which give an insight into the story-line of each.

Novel Excerpts: Waiting for Silverbird

The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Danielle Hamilton gracefully dropped to the floor, ending a three-hour show. Panting with exhaustion she listened to the crowd, the sound of hands clapping and voices cheering. The show was a success, no doubt about that, and for a moment she enjoyed the satisfaction of it. As the lights went to black and the stage was covered in near darkness she got up, ready to take her bow when the spotlights were turned on again. Noticing the chorus in the wings of the stage, seeing they were applauding her too, she signaled for them to join her on stage for yet another bow, and another and another.

Kitten's Diaries: Chanel's Story

For a while I lived in a cat shelter. Then one day my friends and I were put in cages, loaded into a car and transported to a pet store. On the way in, I saw a sign that read "National Pet Adoption Week".

Being adopted by a family would be nice, but I did not have much hope.

In the cat shelter, I saw plenty of people come and go, but I never got chosen. People walked past the cages, saying how cute and adorable the other cats and kittens were, but they never said that about me. If anything, they frowned at the sight of me.

Voice of an Angel:

When Jack Garrett first heard the otherworldly voice, his head snapped up and he quickly surveyed the street around him. The song, or rather ‘the voice,’ was hypnotizing, powerful, and crystal clear. He listened, recognizing the song as Memories, made famous by Barbara Streisand. He was pretty sure that it wasn’t a recording because he couldn’t hear any accompanying instruments. His eyes swept over the multi floored apartment buildings, looking for a woman singing; but, he couldn’t see anyone.

Now ain't that impressive!

Talking about Book Excerpts, Channel Manager, Heidi Peister's work is worth checking out. She is one who is a story teller in herself, with real life taking center stage in her themes. Her whole life has been one of weaving stories; her main inspirations being her children. Some of her stories are reflected through her book excerpts at Helium.

Novel Excerpts: Children's Fantasy

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Some of last week's featured writers have been tagged. I've invited them to contribute reviews on writers of their choice. I have to admit they amaze me with their spirit and cooperation. Take a look at what they have to say.

Reviews by Jay Maul

Michael Burgwin

The way in which he uses language is as poetic as prose can be. The subject of his pieces are hard-hitting and honest. He pulls no punches, but softens the blows with his wonderful word choices.

Short Stories: Dead Fish

Elizabeth McGrath

She is a writer who touches upon the human psyche, searching it's depths to answer the eternal question: Is there such a thing called a soul? If so, what does it look like?

Poetry: So She Dances

Chelsea Crawford

She is a young and exciting author who is full of insightful inquiries that keep her stories fresh, like the human spirit: always seeking new ways of looking at the world around it.

Flash Fiction: Death On A Cruise Ship

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Review by Alexandra Heep

When I thought I could not swim in the Creative Writing pond, Melissa Bickel embraced me into the school of poetry fish. In the beginning she held my hand; then let me swim free. She is part of the reason I ventured out trying to express myself with an audience.

Melissa has been with Helium for a long time. While always encouraging others, she never seeks recognition for herself. Let this be one time she can have the well-deserved spotlight on her.

Songs: Cowboys

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Reviews by Darren Horton

Alistair Marquise

Alistair has a great imagination, and one that I admire. He creates characters, places and situations that are both original and brilliant (and usually quite unpleasant, too). His Flash Fiction is expertly crafted and his style and ideas are unique. I often think to myself, I wish I’d thought of that.

Flash fiction: A mysterious woman

Rachel Howells

I always get the impression that Rachel seems either amused or bemused or downright annoyed with the ridiculousness of life. Most of her articles leave me grinning, and those that don’t leave me grinning, leave me thinking. Rachel writes both funny and serious with equal jaw-dropping, talent.

Humor: Great ways to annoy coworkers

Jay Maul

Jay writes the best stories in a style that is often purposefully vague, relying on his skill as a writer and the imagination of the reader to interpret his poetic, almost dream-like tales. Not many writers are so eloquent when describing something ordinary or something brutal.

Short stories: Home

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Reviews by Elie Hutcheson

Alistair Marquise

I enjoy Alistair's vivid descriptions and colorful characters. I like his work because it keeps me intrigued. He is a very versitile and talented writer. I have read many stories written by Alistair and the only constant in his writing seems to be that there is no constant. Each story is it's own unique piece.

Glory Lennon:

Glory's draws her reader in with down to earth characters and realisitic adventures. I like her work because it's unpredictable and well written. The main thing that pops out to me about Glory's writing is the relationships between the characters. Her dialog is also captivating. It seems so natural, and flows so evenly.

Diane Quinn:

Diane makes me laugh. Her brand of humor never ceases to bring a chuckle to my lips. I like her writing, her stories and articles are well written and unique. What makes the so unique is her own unique perspective and the addition of humor. A good laugh gets me every time.

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With that, friends and writers, concludes my blog post for this week. Next week I will feature writers and writing styles exclusively related to poetry. Should you have an idea, review or style of poetry you'd like to talk about, drop me a line. You know how to find me.

Creative Writing: Part 1, Expressions of the mind and soul

Expressions of the mind and soul

Creativity is a gift. Some are born with it, some cultivate it, but for the most part, it’s a trait that is so powerful when expressed. Like any expressions of creativity, creative’ words’ can transport the mind and stir the soul to a different setting, creating a hideaway, not only for the one writing, but also for the one absorbing every written word.

This week’s highlight will be on Creative Writing. Unlike what was initially planned, I am not going to restrict reviews from any of the sub-channels. Writers have been invited to send in their reviews about their favorite ‘creative writer’ or links to pieces of CW that has impressed them.

Before the reviews begin, it would be worth the while to reflect on Rex Trulove’s feedback.

“Hands down, I’d say Kat Apf. She is modest, yet her work is fantastic. She doesn’t like me mentioning it, but CW wouldn’t be what it is without her. In the words of John Rozen, the former GM for Helium, and a man of few words, “If you like the CW channel, thank Kat. She IS the CW channel. “

Let’s give it up for Kat Apf, fellow writers and friends. Hip, hip, hurrah!

To complement Kat for her outstanding work at the CW channel, and to Helium at large, I have chosen a writer for ‘Writer of the Week’ who is a big fan of Kat. He says, and I quote, “Thanks, Kat! You made me what I am today: in that you collected various half-rotten human body parts and sewed them together to create me. I thank you for that. I do.” It’s none other than the King of Flash Fiction, Channel Manager, Alistair Marquise (aka James Gray on Facebook).

Writer for the week:

Alistair Marquise

I have invited Alistair to tell us something about himself and his writing. From personal interaction with him and reading his work, I’d recommend you get to know him. You just can’t miss his sense of creativity and imagination.

“As far as my inspiration goes, I think it's hard to pin down. I'm very concerned with setting a mood in my writing. I want it to have weight that stays with you after you've finished reading the piece. In that way, I, as a person, have made a connection with you, the reader, because there are parts of me in my writing, and if you think of the piece later, then you are, in effect, thinking of me. My pen name, my writing- all of it has been an effort to create something that exists outside of myself, because real life simply can't compete with the fantasy world that exists in my mind. I write in order to give people a glimpse into the place that I spend most of my time; my head.

As far as other writers, I would recommend these.

First is Darren Horton. He's one of the writers in my channel that is actually doing something new and fresh. Beyond that, his style is so perfect for his subject matter. I really enjoy his work.

Second is Rachel Howells. Her work is consistently amazing.

Third is Jay Maul. I'm not going to lie, some of his stuff is pretty ‘out there’, but it's for exactly that reason that I love it.

I guess that's it. Mostly, I wanted to shine some light on a few writers who I feel simply don't get their due.”

Moving on, Alexandra Heep has not one, but two favorite writers.

"Scott Scherr is a poet I met in the Helium café long ago. He is a quiet, unassuming person whose poetry I find superb but I do not think he gets enough recognition."

" Jon Coe used to be a regular but like many, real life takes him away from his passion so I would like to feature him. Helium thinks he is good too as they published him in a book with collective poems. "

She recommends that you read:

Poetry: Greed - by Scott Scherr

Poetry Being Content - by Jon Coe

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Glory Lennon has been very generous with her reviews too. She doesn’t limit herself to just one writer’s work, but believes that there are many out there who should be noted for their creativity.

1. Jim Bessey, "Although quite busy with that pesky thing called real life and making a buck, still finds time every once in a while to pen a heartwarming story. He's also encouraged many others to do their best, me included! He's really given me great advice over the years. He's the big brother I never had. Love him to pieces!"

Humor: Coffee

2. Olivia Bredbenner, "always gets to the heart of any topic she catches. She always makes you feel what she feels. A wonderful gift!"

Short Stories: Childhood memories

3. Diane Quinn: "A humorous woman who can get you over the grumpies without much trying. Most times she'll leave you actually laughing out loud."

Reflections: My mother's last gift

4. Alistair Marquise: "Is the master of Flash Fiction. He can take a story and twist it so you feel totally wrung out. Don't know how he does it!"

Flash fiction: Grandma's cooking

5. Julie Helms: "Has a wonderful knack for telling a story especially those for children. Perhaps she's s kid at heart!"

Short Stories: Animal stories for children

Glory also recommends:

Novel excerpts: Unfinished business - Alexandra Heep

Essays: Love and Alzheimer’s disease - Olivia Bredbenner

Poetry: My pen - Olivia Bredbenner

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To conclude the contributions of reviews, M.J. Joachim offers her support to writers of the CW Channel. She writes,

W. Diane Van Zwol : "With over 800 articles on Helium, Diane has contributed nearly half of them to the creative writing channel. Diane's poem, Heaven is a relatively short piece, considering the deep meaning revealed therein. It has a unique way of showing that preconceived notions about anything, are often useless. Similarly, Diane's short stories and flash fiction pieces like Teachers, are strong and powerful. Readers can tell she chooses her words carefully and with great purpose, making them all the more intriguing for her fans."

Amanda Dcosta "Mandy's work is thoroughly researched, intuitive and inspirational. Her CW particularly stirs emotion and addresses human need. Mandy's CW invokes a spiritual element, allowing us to pause and think about things more intensely. One of my favorites is her poem, Blessings. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention another story, Reflections: Jigsaw puzzles. As you can see, Mandy has a special way with words. I'm one of her biggest fans because she's genuine and causes me to look deep into my own heart."

As per M.J’s request, I have added my poem ‘Blessings’.

Blessings flow in various ways
it’s there for you to see
That He the Maker in His wisdom
Made Eternity.

One gentle smile is all you need
to freshen up your day.
Or hear a word of comfort
for when you go astray.

What makes the world go round and round
or stars be in their place?
What makes the rain fall from the sky
or forest fires ablaze?

It's not important what we see
As long as we know that
there is a hand that's marvelous
like a magician’s hat.

For, out of it pops loving hearts
So unexpectedly
Yet we do not see them around,
We look for wealth with greed.

Priorities on worldly things
Is what captures our hearts
and eats into each of our souls
Shredding us all apart.

If only we could all focus
on love, the greatest gift!
Then all our worldly problems
on heaven's wings will lift.

Then difficulties all around
Will only be but checks,
To ensure that our visa is stamped
No objection required.

For in the end material wealth
will fade in love's bright light.
As we with unison will sing
to our Maker's delight.

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Creative Writing Guides

How to write a Shakespearean sonnet

How to write good poetry

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I personally recommend the following titles for more enjoyable creative expressions.

Testimonies: Stupidest question a customer has asked me at work - by Kat Apf

Memoirs: Dating horror stories - Alexandra Heep

Short stories: Dinner with your ex-wife - Glory Lennon

Poetry: Mannequins - M. J. Joachim

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