Creative Conformity

Listen to poem:

There comes a time
We ask ourselves
The why of what we do

What is the use of writing poetry
Do I write to express myself or to be read
If I have to conform to someone’s rules
Am I writing for me or am I writing for them
Afterall do they want to read my deepest feelings 
Do they want to read everything I have to say
Will they appreciate the way I want to write it
Am I writing for me or am I writing to be read

Am I still creating if I am overthinking 
Isn’t creativity being fundamentally original
Expressing what comes from within
Totally unrelated to outside demands
Does everything really need a purpose
Isn’t the purest form of creation
Basically the urge of needing an outlet
Be it as an explosion or pure mountain spring

Aren’t creativity and conformity
The epitome of polarities and paradoxes
Contradictory by their very nature



Read on air by invitation  ~  August 21, 2022  'POETS HARBOUR'

AP: 3rd place 2022, 3rd place 2021

Submitted on May 23, 2020 for contest BRIAN'S CHOICE S sponsored by BRIAN STRAND  -  HONORABLE MENTION

and on October 10, 2018 for contest CREATIVE CONFORMITY sponsored by JOHN LAWLESS

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Gary Radice

Date: 5/24/2020 5:06:00 AM

Great piece Line. Re your lines: "Do I write to express myself or to be read If I have to conform to someone’s rules Am I writing for me or am I writing for them" When I first thought about entering a Poetry Soup (PS) competition I came across a PS section on "How To Win" :) One section states: "Study the past winners of a contest sponsored by that member." I still feel uncomfortable with that advice but that's just me being me.

Line Gauthier
Date: 5/24/2020 10:56:00 AM

I think we all have our reasons for writing and our hopes for what we want to do with our poetry. It's different for a lot of people. I think you've just given me an idea for my next contest.

Wendy Watson

Date: 11/7/2018 4:50:00 PM

Great content, Line. I have asked myself at times whether poetry should come rather from a desire to express what is deep within rather than writing on a theme chosen for us. However, it's wonderful where the imagination will take us when prompted! I like what you've done with this title suggestion.

Line Gauthier
Date: 11/7/2018 5:39:00 PM

It's fun to tickle our muse every possible way! Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/10/2018 8:18:00 PM

This introspective poem is great food for rhought Line. I guess it would depend on the poet. Best of luck n the contest. Very well written! : )

Line Gauthier
Date: 11/7/2018 5:46:00 PM

And really... there are questions that don't need answers... Thanks for your lovely visit and comment, Connie.