As the semester begins to draw to a close it’s a good time to reflect on the classes I’ve been taking this semester. Of the six classes I’ve been taking this semester there are three that I will highlight during the next few weeks.
The Art of Writing Poetry: This was my favorite class.I am a writer, so big surprise there. That was actually the exact reason that I choose this class. As a blogger and freelance writer, it’s easy for me to write for others and stop focusing on writing for myself. Writing is a healing mechanism for me. So I made a conscious effort to not let myself slide down the rabbit hole of not writing, and took a class that would encourage me to write. This class has provided me with writing assignments that have kept me engaged with the world around me, my experience and myself, throughout the entire semester. In addition to our homework, we had to record ten observations of out our surrounding world, statements that start with “I see,” or “I hear.”
My professor encourages us to chance takes with our words, cut out half the words in the poem and then rearrange the line order. Or she gives us two minute writing exercises. I appreciate being pushed to further develop my writing. Here are few examples of my observations:
(I hear) a train conductor swinging words like a baseball bat.Inflection up & down. The sixth, seventh, eight, last inning. Your stop.
(I feel) suspended in reality, hovering above hieroglyphics, moments.
(I see) six shades of myself. Bouncing off car mirrors, street corners & cement cracks, heading towards the same place.
Then she tells us to play with line breaks like this:
Six shades of
myself
Bouncing off car
mirrors, street
corners, golden
cracked, cement
towards the same
place.
And/Or remove half of the words
Shades of
myself
Bouncing off
golden
cracked
corners
The best part is that during our student/ teacher conference (yes, it is mandatory meeting) to go over your work and suggestions to grow as a writer. During my one on one I received helpful feedback and even talked to my professor, (who is a published write and continues to publish) about possible publishing. That’s why it’s so imperative to meet with you teachers that you connect with, they are a wealth of knowledge. So hopeful, I will be a published writer soon (wouldn’t that be exciting!)
I just want to point out that you don’t have to desert your passion(s) while in school. But it’s your responsibility to incorporate it your curriculum.
All things Color, Love, & Fashion,
Ayanna L.