Just wrote it for myself…

One of the most discouraging responses a teacher of a writing course (read here: poetry course) can hear from a student,

I just wrote it for myself.

   Huh?!

   Unfortunately, few writing students ever approach an instructor and ask, how do I make this better—more legible, more interesting…?

Pick up dry cleaning

Car to car wash—get tires detailed

Parent teacher meeting 7:00 p.m.

Grocery Store

      Frozen Peas and Carrots

      Yogurt

      Milk—1/2 gal. whole

      Soda

      Paper Towels

(On the fridge magnet)

      Turn off Lights

      Feed Furball—don’t forget water

      Call Aunt Myra … …

This is what one writes for one’s self, a shopping list; scribbles to hang on the fridge as a reminder so Furball doesn’t die of starvation due to one’s absent mindedness… A diary, one writes for one’s self (not necessarily so, with a “journal”). The list or diary complete with scratch-outs, abbreviations; grammar, syntax, punctuation, consistency and spelling mistakes—of no matter…no matter, because it is a list, instructions, personal notes, not intended for anyone else; or at least beyond providing information, not intended for anyone else to enjoy as an elegant, refined piece.

Writing (poetry) is a form of communication; a method by which one extends themselves to others, an audience by virtue of their style, knowledge, empathy, authority and vision. Truly, a representation of one’s self and how they feel about, that self.

   If one cares not, what others feel about or think of their work, for heaven’s sake quit asking, what do you think of this?

No need, then, to continue polishing, researching and revising…just hang these scribbles of no consequence, written for yourself, on the fridge-magnet for your own edification.

…Or, do you, really, not care…?

Never enuff Frosted Sugar Bombs for breakfast…Max tdc