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Joe Flach

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I WAS ME

First I was me,

Selfish as can be,

Wanting everything from A to Z

And wanting it all for me.

Then I became we,

A part of an us.

I learned to share, give and take

I learned how to trust.

Next I was you,

Believe me it's true.

I would rather give than receive,

It was you I wanted to please.

Now I am them,

A family man.

Giving my children,

All that I can.

If you look real close,

It is easy to see,

I am older and wiser,

And no longer a me.

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A Question for My Fellow Poets - Men and Women

Blog Posted by Joe Flach: 6/24/2014 9:00:00 PM

Most of the poems I write are fiction - yet, I also write most of my poems in first person.

I often place myself in someone else's shoes and write how I imagine they feel, respond, act, etc.

Here's my dilemma and question: When I write this way, I often find myself worried that a loved one or someone close to me will mis-interpret what I am writing and take it personally. For example, if I write of someone longing for love, in first person, will that insult my wife, or will she question my love for her? Do any of you find yourself having to temper what you write for fear of how someone close to you might react? Its easy when I think that only strangers (and you folks here couldn't get any stranger) will read what I write. And, honestly, most of my loved ones don't read my poems any way, but I often find myself having to be more cautious than I want to be with some of the stuff I write. Do any of you experience this same emotion or concern?

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Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 6/26/2014 7:19:00 PM

a very interesting blog. I have been so busy this week or I would have seen this earlier. I have felt a wee bit concerned about this topic in the past. Some things I have revealed are very personal. But I think it is easier to be ourselves with "strangers" (other poets who know us, but they are not people we fear disappointing because they are not among our inner circle of relatives, etc) I wrote a poem once called jackass Mormon. This is one i will not even share HERE. I'm afraid god might strike me dead!! and that poem would give my goodly LDS mother a heart attack.

Casarah
Nance

Date: 6/25/2014 7:59:00 PM

I did for ten years! when I met my husband I dodged around my writing because he took everything personally. Maybe it was time, or honesty, but I have gotten past worrying if he will take it the wrong way, if he does it is his problem not mine. Just be proud of your writing and yourself, I say I write poems about dying, doesn't mean I am dead. I write poems about cheating, doesn't make me a cheater, I write poems about doritos doesn't make me hungry-well sometimes. Just write as you see fit and don't worry. =)

Carolyn
Devonshire

Date: 6/25/2014 6:25:00 PM

No, Joe. I often write in the third person and there's no one who would be insulted anyway. LOL

Jan
Allison

Date: 6/25/2014 7:44:00 AM

I write from the heart Joe mainly about topics that have absolutely nothing to do with my life I just get the inspiration and the words flow. My husband reads some of my poems and knows they are simply out of my imagination and that writing gives me pleasure. If I get comments that makes people believe my poem is real then I feel I have done a good job:-) Hugs Jan xx

David
Williams

Date: 6/25/2014 3:12:00 AM

Joe, poetry has no boundaries, thoughts have no constraints, imagination stirs emotion...

Teddy
Kimathi

Date: 6/25/2014 12:37:00 AM

Hi Joe, Yes, I do have such worries sometimes. I might get an inspiration of writing a philosophical or thought-provoking poem, that might upset my family, relatives or friends' religious doctrines or principle. I imagine them calling me a "heathen" or "atheist" in their hearts. Ok, for me I believe that a poet is free to express his or her thoughts and emotions in ink, without feeling intimidated or being made an outcast. Poetry is like honest journalism from our deepest souls....

Robert
Lindley

Date: 6/24/2014 9:28:00 PM

I do not ever think that way. Sometimes I write about my life past ,present or even future. Other times I write using pure imagination and projecting thoughts of how others se life, love , the world etc. My wife knows I am not lusting for any sexy body but hers!!!! I certainly tell her often enough. lol As an artist, a poet you should be able to feel free to express the words and thoughts that inspire you and not fear misinterpretations .

Roy
Jerden

Date: 6/24/2014 9:28:00 PM

Good question! It happens all the time, mainly because so many poets write mostly about themselves, even if they hide it by changing to 3rd person, so they often assume others do the same. You can see it by the comments they leave. I sometimes leave a note that the poem is fictional so it is clear. Most of my poems are not personal anyway, and it's clear when you read them, but I do get the occasional commiseration for a sad poem.

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A Question for My Fellow Poets - Men and Women

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