Inspiration

There is nothing like the presence of other writers to inspire one’s own writing.

I have just returned from the monthly poetry reading group, which this month, was well attended with about 20 of us there.

The venue in itself is inspiring, an old barn that is used for monthly music gatherings, a few of which we have attended. These happen over two days, with lighter music on the Saturday and heavier on the Sunday. I have only been to the Sunday one, but do hope to make the Saturday one sometime as well. Local musicians step up and play, while visitors come and watch them perform. Always a great afternoon out.  

But our poetry, or any reading for that matter, is relatively new. I have been to three of them, my second at the Barn, though I know there was at least one before this. Today there were lots of new people whom I didn’t know, but each one of these who shared some of their work was inspirational, with some great words shared amongst us all.

One of my biggest factors has been my lack of self confidence in my work. It is such a positive boost to get either positive comments, the odd bit of laughter here and there, or even tears, because someone has related to what I have said. It makes me want to write more, rather than thinking what I do is not good enough. So, I give thanks to everyone in the group.

I am a great one for energy and dynamics. I know that each person will have their moment where they shine. That’s how life is, we rise, then we fall, then we rise again. And the falling may just be a quietness, because someone is a little louder, rather than a fall as such. Some people came today in the observing capacity, but I believe that these will also have their time in the sun, when they are ready to open up to the strangers we were today.

I enjoyed everyone’s work this morning and the supportive environment in which we spoke. And that is mainly thanks to John, the custodian of the Barn and the one who always makes everyone who enters, feel so welcome.

I look forward to many more monthly-sharing Tuesdays, and will definitely be inspired to keep writing so that I have poems to offer during these get-togethers.