Blog / Healing Through Writing Poetry

Poetry- What is it? Poetry is a lot of things to a lot of people. In fact, the very nature of poetry is nearly impossible to define. Poetry is very old. It is ancient. Poetry is an ancient form that has gone through numerous and drastic reinventions over time. The most primitive of people have used it, and the most civilized have cultivated it. In all ages and in all countries, poetry has been written, read or listened to by all kinds people. Poetry is an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through words, sound, and rhythmic language.

For me, while at Herrick Hospital during one of my many visits to the psychiatric ward, a pen was in my hand and it led to me expressing what was bottled up inside. Like an artist painting on a canvas, the words filled the paper and began to flow like water down a river. The pen in my hand revealed words as deep as the ocean. The words I wrote were as moving as the earth.

For many years, I was trapped; violence filled me with anger and rage. I wrestled with painful memories that I did not understand. I felt trapped, disconnected, detached, and ready to throw my entire life away and kill myself. For so long, I just wanted die. Life had no meaning to me. Or the meaning that I had of life was that I was worthless and no good. Then before I knew it, I could not put the paint brush down off the canvas. My silence was broken. I found my voice; I shed my tears, and rejoiced in my triumphs. The true essence of me was born. I was no longer invisible. People could see me and did not ignore me or disregard what I said. Poetry evoked the intense emotions I buried inside. A purging of my deep-rooted feelings surfaced. I discovered that I didn't have to hold on to the stories of my past. The words that came out on paper encouraged me to want and be more. My ideas and perspectives were revealed. The words I wrote dazzled people's minds. The poems I word left people in awe. A broadened understanding of me was relayed. I was no longer a victim of abuse.

No more words of insult to cut me like a sword or bury my self worth. No more slaps. No more punches. No more kicks. No more invading my scared dome. Finally, I was not alone. No longer a victim for my words set me free. Now a victorious Caribbean Queen is whom all eyes see. For me, poetry is art, whether a painting or sculpture. Poetry is beauty, far beyond what any eye can see. Poetry is music, smooth and rhythmic with many melodies. Poetry is the beginning and the end. Poetry is my truth. Why not see what poetry can be for you? I welcome you to the world of poetry.