- Any person who reads this, you are welcome to leave a comment or advice.
Poetic Life
Some would say that writing a poem is similar to life. Just like I have essential tools to help me get through life, for poetry those items are pen and paper, I try to keep those two items with me at all times. Just in case as I’m roaming the cracker aisle at Kroger, and I get inspiration for a poem, I have the ability to write it down. Inspiration can happen anywhere and anytime. Some of my best poems have occurred at random times in the day. For instance, I’ll be sitting and relaxing while watching some television, and then an idea starts forming in my head, growing like wildfire, and the only way to put it out, is to write down the series of words and phrases until they grow into something bigger and better than I could ever have imagined.
There are days when all I am doing is writing, continuous writing. The creative juices flowing–more like flooding–and all I continue to do is write to my heart’s content. Then there are days when it’s like the Sahara Desert, dry as it could ever be, it’s as if there was a drought, and not a drop of creativity falls from the sky. It is on those days that I experience what every writer before me, and most definitely after me, experiences–writer’s block. The unmistakable feeling of not knowing how to start, or even how to go on. On those days I send in an emergency group to help repair the damage. First, I’ll go over old poems of mine, and try to generate a similar atmosphere and state of mind. Then, if that doesn’t work, I’ll listen to some music that gets the gears in motion. Finally, if all of that doesn’t work, then I’ll step away from it for awhile, and freshen up my mind. Depending on how long that takes, it could be minutes, hours, or even days (usually only one to three), then I’ll get back into the swing of things, and finish off the poem.
Writing a poem is just like going to college: I need to be prepared at all times, to take notes, and to continue learning even outside of the classroom. Some days I’ll be able to study for hours and hours on end. But then other days I’ll be all studied out, and you’ll have to take a brief break from the task at hand. College certainly won’t be easy, but I think with the ability to write about anything and anywhere, makes me a great student. Someone like me who finds inspiration in the most unlikely of places, such as the cracker aisle, makes me a very observant and introspective person, who likes to think and question. Just like writing a poem, I need to have focus and perseverance to get through the whole piece.
Caitlin's Blog 
I relate to this piece a lot; as someone who draws and creates stories, the feeling of writer’s block is accurately reflected here. I also really enjoyed the metaphors you used in your intro, it made the beginning very interesting and enjoyable to read, instead of just a dull listing of literal details. A small thing I enjoyed was your use of dash, where you changed flowing to flooding; it added a nice, subtle bit of emphasis that really speaks about your style as a poet.
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I really enjoyed your piece! I can relate as well with writer’s block and that sometimes things can come from almost nowhere at all! Inspiration can be all around us and one simple item can set off a whirlwind of emotions. A few changes I would consider are where and when to use colons, semi-colons, and dashes. For example, your last paragraph—first sentence— could use a dash instead of a colon. I overall love the style of your piece and I see great things for you in your future!
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Your abilities as a writer were clear in this piece! It was a great idea to compare and relate something so near and dear to you to college. It adds more passion and shows how you will be diligent in college. Your use of metaphors was brilliant.
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Caitlin, I really liked your essay. It was well-organized and honestly, very relatable. I can’t count the number of times I’ve caught writer’s block. I really like how the end of your essay referenced the beginning of it, speaking of the random places you can potentially get an idea. Well done!
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Hi, I am a student from Mariemont! I thought this was a creative idea! I loved the metaphor and I thought you had a little sense of humor using the phrase “The creative juices flowing–more like flooding…” I liked how you described your process if you are running dry of ideas. I also get some of my best ideas from the most ordinary items. I like it!
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Caitlin! This piece is truly a work of art! Comparing poetry to your life and college is super fascinating. Also, finding a balance between writing too much and sitting there brainstorming is a concept that is very cool. I know this college will put you in the place of your dreams.
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As a fellow poet, I too find my Ideas spontaneous and love to watch them grow with each stroke of my pen on the paper. I really like how you used metaphors to describe your creative juices, not only do these metaphors paint a vivid picture for the reader but they also really help to show who you are as a person which is the perfect application for a college essay. This post is very relatable for me in our writing styles and I wish you good luck in your college entrance.
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This is a really cool idea for a college essay. I think that the connection that you made at the end was really cool. I was able to forget that it was for college and was able to see who you are, and then be strongly reminded that it was why you would be good for the college of your choice.
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