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I am a Poet, Yet I Struggle Answering: What Is Poetry?
I listen to other authors and writers speak and share their stories and experiences because I am inspired when I learn from them. Tracy K. Smith was particularly significant for me. She was the 22nd Poet Laureate for the United States, and served from 2017 to 2019. From listening to her speak at the Sun Valley Writers Conference (SVWC) the weekend of July 22nd, 2023, I learned I am a poet. Yet, I still have so much to learn and develop. When I “grow” up, I aspire to be like her.
Tracy K. Smith’s session at the SVWC conference was about poetry, defining poetry. Smith quoted renowned American poet, Lucie Brock Brood, who said poetry is a proposition beyond logic.
Tracy K Smith said poetry is a participation in a part of creation, and it serves to spark senses, sensations, memories, experiences, meaning, and the forgotten sense of self, and it helps us aspire to become someone. She said, “Poems slow down time.” They connect you with your soul.
That really struck a chord with me. A poem is a co-creation. It is a coming together of a part of your soul with the soul of the universe by brining consciousness or awareness to something, to a moment. As a writer, you share part of your experience, and when people read it, they superimpose their own story, family, meaning, and experience into your story. They…
