Thursday, May 29, 2014

Manifesto (I Hate Writing Poetry)

I hate writing poetry
            Because once I’m finished with one poem             
I want to write another
            And I really shouldn’t

I hate writing poetry
            Not because I think it’s bad
But because I know it’s bad
            And no one can tell me otherwise

I hate writing poetry
            Because sometimes you have to read it
In front of other people
            And they don’t like it either

I hate writing poetry
            Because I feel proud of it for a minute
Then I remember that it’s bad
            It smells dead, like a rotting carcass

I hate writing poetry…
Every time I try to sound profound
I sound like I’ve copied the works of the greats
            Every time I try to just write
It sounds like I don’t care

The truth is I don’t hate writing poetry
            I hate trying to sound like I’m someone I’m not
I hate repeating myself for dramatic effect
            Maybe if I say this phrase three more times I’ll get a good grade
No one writes for fun; it’s always for English class; some people try, but
            Others don’t care at all

Why don’t people just care?
            Not care about the assignment, but about exploring something new
Learn something from poetry
            I am so sick of people not caring about anything but themselves
Which is saying something because
I’m the most selfish person I know

            And if I’m selfish, I’d like to be selfish
I am so tired of trying to be something else
            I just want to write a poem or a manifesto or something
I want it to mean something to me and no one else
            I just want it to write itself or maybe flow out like water from a tap
I want it to be for me and only me
            I don’t want people to tell me what I mean by this line
I want it to mean what I say it does

I’m not writing this for a grade or for someone else
            This is only for me, and I need to remind myself of that
But you’re expected to be concerned about other people and help them
            But what if I don’t want to?

I hate writing poetry
            Because now that this one is over
I want to write more

            And I’m going to

4 comments:

  1. This is wonderful. Such an important reminder of what is important. Have you seen Ira Glass in this video series where he talks about improving as a storyteller through practice? I think you'd like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loxJ3FtCJJA

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  3. Here is a video that is more relevant: https://vimeo.com/24715531

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    1. This is really awesome! Thanks, Mr. Schonfeld! I really liked what he had to say.

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