Through history, we’ve seen many examples of poets who do their best work when their life is at its darkest. However, there are just as many poems that are light and joyful or playful. What I have discovered about myself is that I will write poetry in almost any mindset — the nonsense poems come easiest when I am happier, and the creepy gothic style ramblings flow well when I am not so happy.
However, I find when I am in darker moods, and through the period when I was most depressed, reading poetry was a huge chore. I think the reason for my disdain of poetry when I am feeling low is that my sarcasm and critical eye focus so much more sharply. Now that I am on the other side of that head space, I’ve found myself reaching for books of new poetry again. I can hear the musicality accept the light as easily as the dark. I find myself seeking out books of poems — and getting excited when I find, as I did this morning, a book that includes a series of sonnets. I actually love seeing people who can write structured poems well — it is as exciting to me as watching an acrobat make a precise maneuver high overhead.
What’s interesting is that I don’t seem to apply this barometer to other media. Music, movies, novels — I am as likely to pick up something upbeat as something dark (OK maybe not always as likely, I really do like dark films and books). But if you see me reading poetry, it’s a good sign.
Currently reading:
- Twelve Clocks by Julia Sophia Paegle (interconnected poems in many forms)
- Some Slow Bees by Carol Potter (this is the one with sonnets)