When I think of my proudest poetry moments

they are not what I first expect.

Writing is a peculiar way to spend time. Whether done to make a living or as a hobby, it’s a solitary task and one that demands a lot of the person behind it. When I write I put a little bit of myself into each piece of work (maybe not so much when I’m writing catalogue descriptions for Spurs merch but you know what I mean) this means sending work into the world takes a bit of courage and a lot of faith. If I’m honest it’s not always easy and I sometimes have to work hard to keep being bold enough to put myself and my words out there.

“I like the way you've used ceasura”

What do I do to keep myself writing?

As a way to keep this courage alive, I began to think about the moments that make me happy as a writer, moments that have made me feel really brilliant about what I do. Here are a few of them.

• When a couple told me a bespoke wedding poem captured their love story perfectly and brought a tear to their eyes when they first read it.

• When a daughter told me I’d summed up her relationship with her Dad perfectly, and that the poem I wrote for his 75th birthday made him laugh and cry (in a good way).

• When I worked with a best woman to write a poem for her dearest friend who’d had the most horrible time but had finally found love and safety. We wrote something that showed how much she was loved, and celebrated her new beginning.

• When I was asked by a mum to write for her daughter, who couldn’t see how wonderful she was and was told how much my words moved them both.

• When people I’ve never met get in touch with me about Dust to tell me how much it comforts them and helps them feel less alone.

• Every time I write a poem for a wedding reading or speech and know that I’ve told the story of the couple in a way that works for them.

• Every time I realise that my words are part of some of the most significant times in someone’s life. (I really do have to pinch myself at this one!)

‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

Maya Angelou

This is a list written in the small hours, without any filter or prolonged musing. What strikes me about this list is what’s missing. I haven’t included the times when a fellow poet says they love my use of line breaks or repetition or the fact I chose a particular word or turn of phrase. I haven’t included the times when my work is printed in a magazine I love or placed in a competition I never expected to feature in. That’s not to say these moments aren’t amazing (they really are) but I realise that they aren’t what really makes my soul sing. I love writing, I love to make people feel seen and valued and I love to make people feel loved. Some days I get to do all three. That feels pretty amazing to me.

Until next time

Kathryn

Xx

This post was first published on my sister website kathrynannawrites.com which is where you'll find samples of my bespoke poetry as well as more details about my poetry books Dust and Yes to Tigers.

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