GOOD MORNING! As some of you know, I was feeling pretty down last night about my poetry due to a college professors critique of some of my work, where she said my use of form, metrics & rhyme was archaic. This morning I had a message from a dear friend & fellow poet that included a quoted passage from M. Rainier Rilkes extraordinary Letters to a Young Poet. It was just the shot in the arm I needed! Im sharing here especially for all my friends who are poets, but I think its just some excellent advice for anyone who wishes to be a writer. - Its Rilkes response in the 1st letter after the young poet has complained about sending his work out for critique, with disappointing results. - - - Now (since you have said you want my advice) I beg you to stop doing that sort of thing. You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you - no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple I must, then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 10:44:44 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015