I think it may have been my Mom's lavish praise over my 2nd grade revision of "Roses Are Red" on her handmade Mother's Day card that got me started! Then I discovered "The Best-Loved Poems of the American People", a book that my Dad and Granddad traded back and forth untill it was falling apart, and it soon joined my list of childhood favorites. Whatever it was, my appreciation for, and attempts at writing poems came early. And I'm still writing. Over the years, I've had friends say that maybe some of the words "given" to me were meant to be shared, in case they were not just for me alone, but for you, too!

I say “given” because when I write, it often seems that words are being instantly downloaded to me as I’m writing them. This usually happens when I have no intention of writing a poem. I may be asleep, in the shower, or doing other mundane things. Suddenly a random phrase will float into my mind, along with the distinct impression that it’s part of a poem that I’m being invited to write. It’s almost like there’s a note attached that says, “Attention! Poem ahead!”

Many of my poems reflect spiritual or scriptural concepts or truths. They most often come when I need encouragement, deeper understanding /revelation of God's word, or clarity in the face of uncertainty. Other poems may be satirical, humorous, silly or senseless. Regardless, I give God credit for all of them. He’s the original Creator and I can create nothing without Him.

Note: While I’m aware that there are many literary “rules”, devices and styles of poetry, I admit that I rarely pay attention to them. I tend to write from my heart vs. my head. Finding the exact words that express my thoughts and feelings, and a rhythm or rhyme that weaves them together is what it’s all about for me. I just keep it simple and let it flow.

So whether you enjoy poems, or have never given them a second thought, I invite you to explore a few pages. Tune your heart to the creative flow of words, and see if any of them speak to you as they did to me.  I hope you find something to inspire, enlighten, entertain, or perhaps simply pique your interest enough to come back!

Be blessed,

Jean Wood Blasingame