Why I Fell In Love with Writing Poetry

by Jennifer Brown Banks

My initial exposure to poetry began at about age 12.

Back then, teachers and school administrators chose me to participate in the “Gifted Student Program”–a program for advanced learners. Poetry was a weekly requirement, along with classes in creative writing.

I fell in love at first write!

Poetry Gave Me a Way to Express an Array of Emotions

As an introvert and awkward teen, I found that poetry gave me a way to express an array of emotions and feel a sense of empowerment.

To make a long story short, one day my mom went into my bedroom (in my absence) and stumbled across some of my private work. She was impressed. She convinced me that I had “a gift” that should be shared.

The rest, as they say is history.

Two Challenging Aspects of Writing Poetry

My Muse Can Be Moody!

Poetry, contrary to popular opinion, can be difficult to create; though it may appear easy. It can’t be forced. Truly.

It’s like a pot of stew or gumbo that has to simmer and sit before it’s ready to be served.

Poetry is Difficult to Market

Another challenging aspect of poetry is the marketing of the work. Earning pay for my say.

In recent years things have gotten better; poets can earn hundreds of dollars per poem depending upon the publication.

The success of Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman has certainly been a game changer for poetry being perceived as a serious art form. Thanks, Amanda.

Why I Chose the Title I Did For My New Poetry Book

My new book—Ode to Toni Morrison—only has a few poems that Morrison inspired.

I had been a fan of her work and her legacy for years. When she died, I felt compelled to pen a poem or two in her memory.

Those poems written in her honor were some of my best, (I felt). So, I used one of them as the title of the collective body of work.

Ode to Toni Morrison has about 50 poems on everything from love, to thoughts on the pandemic, to social issues. It’s very diverse.

What is the Most Important Thing a Poem Must Do?

That’s a good question. I think that it depends on the poem and its purpose. But, essentially a poem should evoke emotions.

I try to make my poems deliver by being honest and authentic. By tapping into common experiences that are relatable.

How Writing Poetry is Different from Other Types of Writing

I am blessed to have written in different formats, styles, genres and publications for decades. I have even been a ghost writer.

Poetry is different in that it is more personal and empowering. I’m not typically dictated by a publication’s “guidelines” or editorial scrutiny. It’s my say, my way. I dig that.

Some people will like it. Some won’t. It comes with the territory.

I am truly grateful for the readership and followers I have amassed thus far.

A bonus here is that I am also a part of the “Spoken Word” scene. Meaning that I “perform” my work in front of live audiences at Jazz cubs, coffee shops, libraries, etc.

This is really fun and interesting, in that I get to see in person how people are reacting to and engaging with my work. I have come a long way from that teen that was too shy to share her work.

How I Get My Ideas for Poems

It’s rare for me to deliberately prepare for poetry. Like I mentioned before, the muse can be moody.

For the best results, the process can’t be forced. Trust me, I’ve tried.

Ideas typically surface as a reaction or response to something I see on TV; or a conversation; something I have read; or even random thoughts.

First I come up with the title, then the rest unfolds in my mind in fragments, over time. A finished piece can take minutes or months.

Advice for A Young Poet

Choose your best work.

Organize by a common theme, when possible.

Read the works of other successful poets to inform and enhance your work.

ODE TO TONI MORRISON

(1931-2019)

Always thought
That we’d connect
Beyond words
On the page–
In a future time and space,
Perhaps in some
Quaint coffee shop,
With an assortment of herbal teas
And pricey brews,
Or a university lecture
Of fellow intellectuals,
Or a book signing
Of eager readers,

Me
Full of awe and admiration,
Unfulfilled dreams
And endless questions,
Hoping to emulate,

You
Worldly,
Wise,
Strong,
Spirited,
Grounded
Like a mighty oak,
Tall,
Brown,
Statuesque,
Cloaked in black,

Now fate
Has deemed it
Too late
As you close out
Your final chapter,

And your writings
Remain
Etched
In our hearts

* * *

Jennifer Brown Banks is an award-winning poet, author, freelance writer and senior editor of a regional publication in the Midwest.

Over the decades, her work has appeared in numerous online and print publications such as: Rigorous Journal, Write City Magazine, Poetic Voices, Curbside Splendor, Chicken Bones, Two Drops of Ink, and Willow Review Magazine.

She is the president and founder of Poets United to Advance the Arts, based in Illinois. She’s also the recipient of the “Spirit Award” for 2020 from Chicago Writers Association.

For more information about Jennifer and her work, please see her website, and connect with her on Twitter.

_{Featured image by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels.}

ODE TO TONI MORRISON is a collection of 50 poems that address a myriad of topics and timely themes, from award-winning poet, Jennifer Brown Banks.