Poetry Friday is with Jone at Check it Out.
I am small. What difference can I make? Who knows or cares? When I get into this kind of self-talk, I am defeated before I even try. What good is this hate talk? Isn’t there enough of it in the world?
Then I read from other writers:
Trust your power. It’s all there. The moon has lit your path. You have the fire of ambition. You have a vast sea of emotions and ideas. You hold a magic wand and a symbolic sword––the means to write across the sky.
–Jane Kelley, Smack Dab in the Middle.
Recently I jumped into a writing assignment that I began to doubt I was ready for. I had a hard time when the editor kept pushing back. But isn’t that what makes it all worth it? At the same time, I questioned whether or not I was worthy. Each response sent me back to my poem, my idea, my self. Writing from the heart tugs at your perseverance. Do I dare let anyone see this part of me?
Then there is a community of writers, penning a poem a day, tweeting out poetry in response to our world. I am grateful for this push to put my voice out there. I am grateful to listen to their words, too.
Heidi Mordhorst at My Juicy Little Universe
Mary Lee Hahn at Poetrepository
Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise
Buffy Silverman at Buffy’s Blog
Jone Rush MacCulloch at DeoWriter
Diane Mayr, posted on Thursdays at Random Noodling
Julie Johnson at Raising Readers and Writers
Catherine Flynn at Reading to the Core
Carol Varsalona at Beyond LiteracyLink
Carol Wilcox at Carol’s Corner
Julianne Harmatz tweeting @jarhartz
Linda Baie at Teacher Dance
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes at Today’s Little Ditty
If I missed someone, please let me know.
Join in with #haikuforhealing
Reflections on the Teche 
So beautiful on so many levels.
What a lovely post to start with this morning. Your haiku is breathtaking. Brought me right back to my childhood.
You do have “the means to write across the sky,” my friend. Thank you for always pushing and inspiring me to keep that flame dancing!
My wand is most definitely tired, but I’m still haikuing! Would you add me to your list, Margaret? Michelle Heidenrich Barnes at Today’s Little Ditty http://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/ Thanks!
I love your magic wand poem, Margaret. Editing can be the best of times and the worst. The end result is always worth it.
Yes, it is disheartening sometimes when editors push… but it helps us learn what is important and how important it is to us. Glad you are keeping that wand ready! And I adore Jane’s quote and all these haiku-ers! Thank you. xo
I am starting haikudinating today. I have been flying low lately, so have missed much of the poetizing and just plain old writing. I’m going to attempt getting back on board. I’m going to write a revision of my long poem today and try to capture it in a haiku!
Keep strong! You don’t need any wand! You’ve got this!
I hope you are doing OK. Missed you. Glad you are back on the radar!
I’m happy that you weave that magic wand when needed. Those ups and downs can be frightening, yet the light can return. You’ve just proved it! I’ve loved the #haikuforhealing, offering a pause for something very good indeed.
There is joy in that haiku, Margaret – keep waving that magic wand!
You were born to weave words the way you do. I understand the doubt and the growth of stick-to-it-ness needed. But, you absolutely are already in too deep. You are a writer and that project will come. Wishing you a week full and full and full of the right ideas and flow and words.
Your comment is just what I needed. Thanks for being such a great cheerleader for poetry!
My magic wand is dulled by cynicism, but my symbolic sword is blazing! Lovely post.
Fan those flames, Sister! Never doubt yourself — just keep writing on bravely.
Glad you are not letting your questioning voice that put out the fire. The magic works wonders.
Your words are so inspiring to writers everywhere. A magic wand would be nice, but your pen is mightier still. Best wishes, Margaret. Keep on keeping on!
Love the magic and resilience of your haiku. Beautiful!
You are magical, with or without the wand. 🙂 xoxo
This reminds me to silence the inner editor.