Discussion on poetry

       I have found that writing poetry and writing about poetry feel surprisingly different. Writing poetry is more emotional which almost always begins with a specific moment, image, or a memory that lingers. When I write poems, I rely on vulnerability. I do not always know where a poem will end when I begin. On the other hand, writing about poetry requires  me to slow down and analyze deeper. Instead of simply feeling the poem I examine the poems language devices and analyze why certain lines are powerful or how specific techniques create emotion. In this way, writing about poetry feels more structured and strategic, but it still requires a different viewpoint of interpretation so that we are all not collectively talking about the same thing.

       Interestingly, writing about poetry has strengthened my own creative work. When I analyze how a poet uses imagery or language devices effectively, I become more aware of those tools in my own writing. At the same time, writing my own poetry has made me more empathetic when analyzing others’ work. I understand how vulnerable it feels to put words on a page, which makes me approach criticism others works in a different lens than before. 

       From this experience, I learned that creativity and analysis do not oppose each other but how they support one another. My goal from this class is ti not necessarily dive into teaching but how to challenge my old mindset and viewpoints when entering the law career when I have graduated from college.