Does one write poetry 
As in an assemblage of words
Or is it a process of creation
More akin to guiding a sheep herd?

Robert Frost suggests, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”

Emotion, finding thought, finding words was the case of this little gem, inspired by one who out of her pain gave strength to others.

From our pain
We give strength to others
Lessening our burden
By relieving theirs.

Poetry does not often make sense, especially on the first reading. But then, poetry is often written by its creator for the creator and may not need to make sense. Though like parables of old, when you peel away the layers you just may find pearls.

Carl Sandburg, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and poet, similarly echoed Frost. “Poetry is  an echo, asking a shadow to dance.”

Be it writing or creating
Whatever this poetry thing is
Dancing with shadows
A lot am I.

The emotional desire of thoughts to create words seems to continually be with me. Inspiration wraps its tentacles of persuasion in nearly everything I do.

Maybe that’s what Emily Dickinson meant when she wrote, “If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.”

Fast some ideas flow
Quickly creating life
While others percolate gently
Though the pot boils over.

Emotions and thoughts percolated gently for this next little piece, though the words flowed quite quickly. The inspiration created from the beautiful photograph above. It was taken by my friend Idona Salisbury on a trip to Pittsburgh a few years back.

JOURNEY ‘ROUND THE BEND
By Les Patterson

Travel just a little further
The road seemed to beckon
Silent invitation extended
To journey ’round the bend.

The richness of discovery
Captivates my imagination
My soul on a journey
Longing to explore.

What awaits I know not
Perhaps the same as here
But the journey itself will be
Rich enough for me.

For that which I discover
Rising deep from within
Is worthy of the effort
To journey ’round the bend.

There you go my friends.

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

Les Patterson

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to find your way to create!

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