Mr Smith wrote:I've been reading more and more poetry lately and I would love to write it, but I'm finding it quite difficult. Does anyone here write poetry?
I've been writing poetry since I learned what a poem was--back in elementary school. I very rarely write rhyming poetry, however. I bow down to the masters who can create amazing imagery with rhyming verse. (Though I have written song lyrics, so I do it at times.) I've studied poetry and still read it obsessively.
I don't write as much poetry as I used to--not since focusing more on writing prose. I think it's like taking on any kind of new style of writing--a hair-pulling venture until it eventually becomes intuitive. I'm pretty comfortable with my style, and I don't feel a drive to branch out further. Probably because I don't have much interest in selling my poetry. It's really just for me. Whereas, I'm constantly trying to push my envelope in writing prose.
I will give you an example of my work, though. (Be kind! It may be a passion, but it's really only a hobby--if that makes sense. ) I wrote this a few years back:
I Wonder
I wonder what it would be like
to feel your warm breath upon my skin
just before your lips make tender contact
and all reason flutters away
like a startled butterfly.
I wonder what it would be like
to place my hands upon your chest
and push in mock disapproval
as I let you fumble
the buttons of my blouse.
Would we then become a mass
of entangled sweat and flesh
where there are no endings
and no beginnings
as you become complete in me?
I wonder what you would do
after my nails have raked your spine
and my teeth have pressed
against your shoulder
to stifle my burning euphoria.
Would you stand and dress with speed,
having finally gotten from me
all that you've desired?
Or would it be just a hint,
an achingly small taste,
of a more potent longing
that cannot be so easily sated?
I wonder...