Why Do You Write

Why do you write?

To give birth to beauty
To decorate a drab wall
To splash color on a canvass
To entertain and enthrall

Why do you write?

To become immortal
To capture fame
To heal a wound
To become sane

Why do you write?

To produce magic
To invade a heart
To be someone’s passion
To create a work of art

Why do you write?

To take a word picture 
To weave a poetic tapestry
To build imagination’s castle
To write your own history

Why do you write?

You write because
You're confused
You’re overwhelmed
You’ve been abused

You write because 
You’ve been shortchanged
You’ve been neglected
You’ve been enraged

You write because
You have a need
You crave passion
You want a creed

You write because
You are in pain
You carry baggage
You have tasted rain

You write because
Like every poet
That has come and gone
Of will ever be
You write because
You are searching for
The rhythm and rhyme
Of your life.

Eileen Manassian Ghali
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Mittal Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM
It uses simple words but its awesome! I couldn't agree more!
Seal Avatar
March 29, 2013 at 8:09 PM
Everything you write is a thing of beauty Auntie, and you've certainly invaded my heart. You must keep writing though, because that sanity your seeking is a thousand beautiful poems away, I say this with purely selfish motives of course lol. Take care, Regards Richard. Oh and your right about the confused lol.
Manassian Avatar
March 29, 2013 at 9:47 PM
;) Richard, you make me smile....I will keep writing, I promise...you promise to keep reading. Thanks for the encouragement. :)
Pritts Avatar
March 27, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Well done Eileen. Those who know, know what you mean. We write to purge the feelings of joy, happiness, sorrow, pain and wonderment. Reading a poem after you have signed your name to it and smile can only be desctibed as an orgasm of verbal delight. It's a feeling that can only be achieved through words. I'm sure that I speak for everyone here when I say that we share our writing not for recognition but to share the joys and pains of our life. Thanks for writing and sharing yours. Rockman
Manassian Avatar
March 28, 2013 at 1:21 PM
Thanks, Rockman. I'm so glad that you shared your thoughts here with me. Yes, may I suggest that you take the "orgasm of verbal delight" and turn it into a poem? It think it will do well. Yes...many who create get a high, and we are all addicted to it in some way. Glad you liked this poem! :)
Pritts Avatar
March 27, 2013 at 4:43 PM
After reading my comment, I realized that I left a lot of groups out. Painters do it with their colors. Musicians do it through their music. I could go on and on but what it comes down to is that, if you love what you create, you want to show it off. I'm glad we have this site to allow us to do that as writers. Keep it up. :-)
Lamoureux Avatar
March 26, 2013 at 8:18 AM
I for one am glad you write.
Manassian Avatar
March 28, 2013 at 1:25 PM
Oh, Richard. I'm THRILLED that you write!
Bauer Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:49 AM
i'm sure we can all relate to this one, eileen! i like it!
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 1:36 PM
I'm glad you do, my dear. So glad! :)
Horsman Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:28 AM
this is serious poetry, and a joy to have read,,, love this Eileen
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:32 AM
OOOOOPPPPPSSSSS! Don't now how that happened! Harry!!! I've been reading up on your work! You are so romantic and that speaks to my heart. Thanks for reading my work and for posting encouraging comments! Love hearing from ya! Hugs!
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Anne...you are so talent and young...I read somewhere that you are busy with college and it's hard to find time to pursue your writing. Let me just give you the advice I give my students...TIME FLIES...and before you know it..you're 45 with some of your dreams unfulfilled. Keep writing while you are young and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! hugs!
Jones Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Yes Eileen...this is why we write!!!!!and you do it best of all....momma Donna
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Heather....I'm so so touched by this post. Thanks! Sweet of you! The "word picture" I might have read somewhere...so I can't take credit for that..except maybe the fact that you can Take it like a pic...and not paint a world picture! HA HA! Hugs!
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:24 AM
Thanks, Momma D! :) Of course you'd say that! I'm smiling! You are the best!
Ober Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 10:09 AM
I LOVE this!!! I seriously can't express how much I love this. Going straight to my faves. "To take a word picture" - You are so brilliant, lady! :)
Hicks Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 8:55 AM
I liked the progression of this... first it's all kinda artsy-fartsy reasons and then get it's more serious with how writing is therapeutic. I agree with both ends (but for the majority of the time I write for creativity's sake)... btw I've sent you Soup Mail!
Manassian Avatar
March 25, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Thanks, Timothy! You are very sweet! I wrote back to you! :) Look forward to "seeing" you again! :) Yes...writing IS therapeutic for me! Glad it is for you too!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace