My First Time Writing Poetry: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Creativity

Poetry always felt like a distant wave, shimmering with promise but intimidating for someone like me. The mere thought of crafting verses filled me with dread, I constantly overthink and find it challenging to get out of my head. Growing up, I never identified as a poet; understanding the metaphors always left me floating in the clouds. However, after enrolling in my creative writing pro at Full Sail University, I decided to take a leap of faith and write my first poem.

The Initial Hesitation

The mere idea of writing poetry triggered anxiety, echoing memories of past struggles to express myself. I often pondered questions like: What if my rhyme scheme failed? Would anyone care about my words?

After graduating with my certificate in creative writing, I felt empowered to play with language and embrace the imperfections of our craft. This pushed me to explore my thoughts without fear.

Taking the Leap

With renewed determination, I started to write. My initial lines were clumsy, resembling a shaky framework rather than the smooth verses I envisioned. Yet, something remarkable occurred—I began to feel a sense of liberation. Each word unlocked emotions I didn't realize was buried within me.

Since I'm always in my head, I used ChatGPT to give me some writing prompts. I chose to write about something ordinary: the changes in the seasons. This simple yet profound experience resonated with me, reflecting moments everyone can relate to but often overlooks. As I captured the soft buzzing of bees, my poem transformed into something vibrant and alive.

My Learning Process

Initially, I struggled with the form of my poem, but I quickly reminded myself that it didn't have to be perfect. Once that clicked, I began to write freely and focus on getting my feelings down. Each edit brought me closer to crafting a piece that mirrored my inner thoughts. Surprisingly, my fears melted after I shared my poem with my husband. His response gave me extra confidence, "Pretty dope! Very descriptive and imaginative."

After revising several drafts and enjoying multiple cups of tea, I completed my first poem.

Seasons of the Soul by Kellie Batts

Embrace the Journey

Writing poetry for the first time was both a challenge and an adventure. It helped me confront my fears and embrace creativity. If you're hesitant about writing poetry, I encourage you to take that first step. Discovering your voice through poetry can lead to self-discovery and inspiration. So, pick up your pen, let the blank page welcome your thoughts, and allow your creativity to flow. You might just surprise yourself!