In the next to last semester before I graduated with my Masters, I took the weirdest, yet most thought-provoking course I’d ever taken. It was called “The Poetry of Labor” with a subtitle of “The labor of poetry.”
I had never been more confused in my life. I must tell you (and English majors all over the world may denounce me for this) I’m not the biggest poetry fan – at all. In fact, I rarely read it without it being a requirement of class. And in this class, it was some of the most confusing poetry I’ve ever read.
With that said, ironically, I probably learned more from that class than any other. Because it challenged my thinking in a wonderful way that it hadn’t been before.
I came to discover the meaning behind the class’s two titles – that the goal of poetry (at least in the period we were reading) was to challenge thought, to educate, and to inspire social change. That was the work or labor of poetry, so to speak.
Simultaneously, the poetry of labor and of work – the work that goes into writing that poetry, is an experience of its own. One that can’t described any other way, except in poetic terms. (I know this is confusing, but bear with me)
The full knowledge of that concept didn’t kick in for me until I started blogging – it is a poetic experience (somedays). There is something poetic about the labor that goes into blogging and writing.
I feel a higher level of inspiration.
Somehow, I am able to transport the contents of my brain and heart onto a page. Isn’t that poetic?
My eyes (and other senses) are open to learning new things that I’d previously ignored. I’ve learned to absorb meaning from most things that were once mundane. I can now read a book, watch a movie, or take an outting with my family and find deeper meaning in those activities that I can relate or use to fuel my blogging. These are ideas and concepts and lessons that I can pass on to you, my readers.
Each day presents a new challenge for producing content, for providing value to you. Each day I wonder if I can write something that will indeed spark an “Aha!” moment even if for only one reader. Even if that “Aha!” is delayed like my experience with this class, it’s still of great value.
Yes, blogging is definitely labor, there is hard work that goes into it, but the rewards are definitely poetic. The end result and the benefits that I can hopefully pass on to you is totally worth the labor.
Whenever I discover that someone has learned something new from me, or is inspired, or leaves one of my blogs feeling better than when they arrived, or are led to act on something I’ve suggested, that’s an awesomely encouraging feeling! It gives me the fuel to continue in my efforts, it lets me know that what I’m doing really means something.
That experience that can’t be conveyed in words, is a truly poetic feeling.
Have you ever felt this way about blogging? Do believe there is something poetic about blogging? Do you have any experiences to share? Or have I totally lost you on this one? If so, sorry! :)
About Kiesha Easley
Hi Kiesha, this is my first time of blogwalking here. I do agree that blogging is poetic. Because in my opinion, a poet is not just some words on a white paper. Poet is everywhere around us. Our activities that come from the heart are also poets. And I also believe that writing some programming codes is also poetic :).
best regards.
.-= Ari´s last blog ..While Statement in Delphi ( Delphi Tutorial # 13 ) =-.
Hi Kiesha, I just stumbled across your site and spent some time reading some of your very interesting articles. You are doing a great job. Will definitely be back.
blessings,
Vickie
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Vickie! Thanks for stopping by! So glad to have you. You have a nice site as well. :)
Couldn’t agree more My Dear! Blogging is indeed hard work, but when it all comes together, it is indeed poetry in motion.
When all that hard labor starts to produce new growth and fruit, you can’t help but feel proud and more accomplished.
So we should keep our passion and enthusiasm through the slow and dry periods. Eventually, it will all pay off.
.-= Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella´s last blog ..Did You Sign Up For Your Hubze Card? Beta Release Date Announced! =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Joella!
Yes, it’s that vision that keeps me going – and it helps that I love to write. :)
Hey Kiesha,
You would have to tie me down to sit in a class like that. It never was a favorite subject of mine. But the great thing you mentioned was that it stretched you. This is very important because we all need to be stretch if we want to progress to the next level. Especially in business. I’m always looking for ways to stretch myself so I won’t fall in the hands of complacent.
Chat with you later…
Josh
.-= Josh Garcia´s last blog ..See How Quickly You Can Attract More Leads With SEO Marketing =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Josh,
Believe me, when the class first started I felt like I had stepped in the Twilight Zone, but by the end of the semester, I was truly grateful for the experience.
I’m so relieved there is another writer who isn’t a poetry lover :) I could really relate to this post overall. When someone reads a post I write and says they were inspired, encouraged, or learned something new, I do sense the poetry of blogging. To me, blogging is a beautiful thing.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..And the Winner is . . . . =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Jean!
Yeah, I’m glad I was able to gain something from that class, but you’d probably never find me picking up a book of poetry out of my own motivation. I’d have to be bored to the point of death :)
No need to be sorry :) I do believe that blogging is the modern form of poetry. And I stand by it, since poetry is an art in which poets do express their feelings, opinions as well as perspectives in life, and which is pretty similar to what bloggers do. We spend time writing to express ourselves and to spread knowledge about things that we do know and are interested in.
Perhaps there are differences in format and lines, but in terms of approach and purpose, it’s the same. I think I’m making sense right? Great thoughts Kiesha, it’s my first time to read something that contrasts blogging from traditional poetry, and it’s something worth talking about.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Jason!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I was kinda hesitant to post it, I wrote it more than a month ago. I kept passing it over because I didn’t think anyone would be interested in that type of comparison. Glad you found value in it.