Recognizing Our Growth

 Recognizing Our Growth

     Throughout our lives, we constantly go through a multitude of periods of growth. This can be with our jobs, emotions, health, relationships, learning, and writing. I have been writing poetry since I was about 12 years old, and have had many opportunities in my life to expand my writing knowledge and ability. 

The number one thing I was told in every English or writing class was, “the only way to improve your writing is to read other people's work.” Reading any type of writing is valuable to our learning, even if it’s not your usual style or topic. My sophomore year of college I took a writing class that was for fiction short stories, and let me tell you I have never been a story writer. But I was so lucky to be in a class with individuals who were gifted short story writers, as well as others who felt the same as me. My Professor opened my eyes to viewing writing as a “craft”, which was the beginning of my journey of making my work as a creative opportunity. 

I also had the opportunity to take a class all focused on poetry, and going in I thought I had an easy A. I thought, “I’ve been writing for years! I got this”. Yes, I did get an A but there was so much more that I needed to learn about the craft of writing poetry. I am so grateful that I got to share and hear the work of my peers, and have been able to grow my craft. Classes like these are what pushed me to officially make the decision to become an English teacher. I want to be able to share the amazing benefits writing your own and reading others' writing can do for ourselves. 

In all of my writing classes, we learned about giving and receiving constructive criticism and revising our work. Though some do not believe in revising their poetry, allowing yourself to grow from each piece of art you create is what allows writing to be a craft. Revision can help make poems (or even short stories) so much stronger; and sometimes it’s as simple as punctuation. Every detail in our writing matters and it took me a long time to realize that. I am by no means an amazing writer, I am still learning everyday. And I love every moment.

I am not ashamed of my old work, but rather am proud to show my growth as a writer. Here is an example of an old poem I wrote when I was 16. 

Late night thoughts from September 7th, 2016

When I tell you I love you, I'm telling you you're limitless talents are extraordinary. I'm telling you that the flaws you find within yourself, I see perfection.

When I tell you I love you, I'm handing you my heart as I guarantee the safety of yours. 

Everyday you find a way to let me know I am beautiful.

You let me know the things you love about me. 

As I lay here tonight, I crave your presence.

As I lay here, I miss you.

And as I think about how I miss you, I think about all the little things." 

I love this poem, but there is so much I can do with it, from using more of my own creative voice, to even the layout of the words itself. I’d love to see some of your old work too!

Xx- T