Had a discussion about what it means to be a poet. One of the best insights was that poetry, as a final piece, is a part of a puzzle. But the act of feeling your emotions, getting inspired, figuring out your process - that is what makes you a poet.


I don’t feel like a writer

By definition a writer should write
and a reader should read
A book, a pen,
what more do you need?

But these days I don’t feel like a writer
I leave a lot of things incomplete
Does a half-written poem
still count as a feat?

How can I write
when I can hardly breathe?
I barely manage
to get on my feet

I don’t feel like a writer
But I’ve written this

Maybe it’s something
a future me
would read
deem worthy
and dare to complete.



Poetry by Inspired
Read 75 times
Written on 2025-02-19 at 17:52

Tags Writing  Mood  Doubt 

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Inspired
For some reason, I didn’t get these comments in my inbox. Just wanted to drop a msg saying thank you for reading and also I totally relate to what one of you said about the automobile.

This is a poem which has a similar sentiment:


How Do I Know When a Poem Is Finished?

Naomi Shihab Nye


When you quietly close
the door to a room
the room is not finished.

It is resting. Temporarily.
Glad to be without you
for a while.

Now it has time to gather
its balls of gray dust,
to pitch them from corner to corner.

Now it seeps back into itself,
unruffled and proud.
Outlines grow firmer.

When you return,
you might move the stack of books,
freshen the water for the roses.

I think you could keep doing this
forever. But the blue chair looks best
with the red pillow.
So you might as well
leave it that way.
2025-04-12


Ray Miller
Enjoyed the read and I can empathise emphatically.
2025-02-23


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
Nobody really 'feels' themselves a writer. I think it is more indefinable than that. Artist perhaps. Plus art is in the eye of the beholder. A very important clause. If it is any consolation I don't personally know of any writer or poet friend who does not have unfinished art. It can become a treasure box that you delve in and become inspired all over again. Blessings, Allen
2025-02-20


anonface The PoetBay support member heart!
Now that was worth a treat. The feeling for me comes and goes and later makes me think: an automobile remains what it is however many miles driven or not at all, in a museum or a scrap heap… it’s hardwired within. But our senses fight against logic of a writer not writing or not completing a composition still being a writer. A ‘failed’ or unfulfilled writer, perhaps?

Language: 4
Format: 3
Mood: 5
Overall: 4
2025-02-19