Returning - For Friday Writing Essentials

Tonia I really like this. I like so many lines within it "Electric storms rage
within cranial confines" is a favorite. I also like the repetition of "No comfort can be found" followed by, "Comfort may be found.
Sunlight dances on the forest floor" Isn't it so often the simple moments of beauty that bring us peace!

When I got to:
"Comfort may be found.
Sunlight dances on the forest floor."
I gave a great sigh of relief. Nature, indeed, is a great comfort and joy.
I loved the tension in the first few lines - nicely done, Tonia!

oops. Forgot the 10!

Katrina reminded me to rate this, something I always forget. And I apolgize for that. I know these ratings are hugely important to some folk.

When I saw your name on the article I was pleased for the opportunity to enjoy another one of your works, but in this circumstance that did not happen.
As horrible as that sounds, let me explain.
I started reading and almost immediately the piece, your writing, became a non-issue. Instead, I found myself witnessing a process. I became fascinated in "watching" your mind work. Experiencing your return became the whole show for me.
I wasn't just reading about something; this became a very real event.

I feel calmer now.

I liked this, so much like I felt like repeating the motif again, as it evolved into a memory that questions, "No comfort may be found?" Of course, you may prefer it just as it is...

I echo Katrina.

I had a similar experience today when I took my walk. I thought it would make a great photo essay. I had my camera with me, but I didn't have your eye.

Besides, the dog kept yanking on my arm every time I stopped to try to take a picture.

a wonderful theme and poem!

This was amazing! I keep re-reading it. Thank you, Tonia.

I'm like you. Being in the woods can do something for me nothing else can. Great poem.

I like this. It speaks to me.

Thanks for posting the favorite theme. This is featured today on Friday's Gather Essentials: Writing.

I feel like this is a good starting point for a poem. What you have here seems particularly cryptic. I'd ask yourself what you literally want to say with this poem: "Sometimes the narrator gets a lot of anxiety and nasty headaches dealing with the stresses in a man made world. But, when he\she returns to nature, their head is cleared. They feel revived."

With that out of the way you can focus on imagery that is going highlight this, rather than using abstract language. What is specifically uncomfortable about the man-made world? What specific things make nature comfortable, or able to return the narrator's soul? Also, if you're trying to highlight the dichotomy between the man-made world and nature, why use nature imagery to conjure up a glittery phrase for a headache: "electrical storms rage\ within cranial confines" . This is a good draft, and you've obviously hit on a sentiment shared by many people, don't be afraid to revise.

Sean - I appreciate you taking the time to offer your thoughts on this piece. I have always tried not to spell out the experience within a poem but rather to set the stage for the reader to embark upon their own journey. Oh, and actually, my reference to "electrical storms" was not implying a headache but rather a mind swirling with thoughts. One of the beautiful things about poetry is that a person can find a voice that suits them, and this one is mine.

Thanks John.

Mike - it makes me smile to see you here. I am glad it spoke to you.

Lynn - the woods have always called to me.

Faith - you are a poet who I am always eager to read. I am glad that you found a little of the same here.

Thanks Anne.

Ina - next time - take the photos. You may be surprised at the results.

Gerry - you really intrigue me with that suggestion. The fact that a single question mark could change the whole feeling of this was really startling and I appreciate the experience.

Madame D - and that is a good thing.

Pam - I know your thoughts on what is poetry and what is not, and so the fact that I was able to engage you with this pleases me immensely.

Katrina - that is exactly what I was trying to do with this - it is a concept that keeps playing in my mind in all of my work and I hope to be able to create that with a photographic piece at some point.

Debbie - you and I both know the pleasures to be found in simplicity. That is one of the things that brings great joy into my world.

So beautiful! I can relate.

It's truly amazing how much we are alike. Swirling thoughts that do not cease...until we seek the silence of nature. Then it seems one can tackle each "concrete boundry" one at a time.

I understand. Nature helps me, too, Tonia. For me, I think it's about the "bigness" of nature....how little we are against all of creation and it underscores not only the existence of a creator, but a living, vibrant Presence.

me, too - in that nature is balm to my soul. beautiful!

Nice imagery.