Poetry Is Journaling
Poetry is not typically thought of as a way of journaling but it can be. Oftentimes, free write journaling helps you write better poetry. So, essentially, they compliment each other. They both fuel your creativity and can generate deep emotions.
There’s always been something that’s drawn me to poetry. I think I like the quick bursts of impact with the words. It challenges me to be succinct, when I am often very wordy.
When my brother died by suicide at age 17, I turned to writing poetry again. I wrote an anthology as I struggled through my journey to healing. They were shared among our family, his classmates and friends and helped them in their healing too. I love how words connect us and help us express our true feelings.
The poem “Who Knew” was written several months after losing my brother. It was spurred from the extreme shock that being a survivor of suicide was really a part of my journey. I was grieving the loss of my baby brother and was stuck and fixated on one thing – what were the last words I said to him? I didn’t know.
WHO KNEW I didn’t know. I didn’t know it would be the last time. I didn’t hug your neck tight enough. I didn’t know. I rushed through. I rushed through the day checking off the boxes. I rushed past you like you didn’t exist. I rushed through. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe you were really gone. I couldn’t believe this was our new forever. I couldn’t believe it. I cried. I cried until my eyes nearly swole shut. I cried so deeply my chest hurt. I cried. I prayed. I prayed for your soul. I prayed you knew how much I loved you. I prayed. Why? Why did you think you weren’t enough? Why didn’t you say anything? Why? You were loved. You were loved by thousands of people. You were loved and we felt it. I only wish you did too.
I challenge you to give writing poetry a try if you are struggling with something or just want to tap into your creative side. Rest assured, there’s no right or wrong way to do it!