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Sally Eslinger
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Seeking the WOW

Blog Posted by Sally Eslinger: 10/11/2021 3:42:00 PM

Seeking the “Wow!”

i AM a daughter of God.  I am one of the ALL.
I am a wife, beloved. & lover.
I AM a poet.  I AM an artist.
I have been reading the famed mythologist 
Joseph Campbell’s book, “The Inner Reaches of Outer 
Space,” in which he goes into quite an extent describing the nature/needs of artists/poets with a primary need being recognition/approval.
     For over 18 months, I have spoken with a counselor who has a PhD in both psychology & theology.  He is a poetry-guide as he helps relate my Christian poetry to biblical references, symbolism, & the growing of my faith.  He also helps with my psychological well-being…
     Growing up, I got support for my drawing, but for writing?  Well, dad said nothing.  My  English teachers didn’t like me.  One even sent me to The Office for disagreeing about the interpretation of a poem.
     Then, mom as much as told me that I wasn’t a writer (before age 22 when I was published & started getting fellowships); she had to be begged to read my ;poems, did’nt responded positively, which caused me to frown & her to say, “You can’t take criticism, Sally!” more times than I remember…but enough that I taught myself to not only take criticism, but to want it, because it can help the editing & learning…plus it is at least a comment.  To say, “Not a theme I like,” is better than nothing.  Poetry (when not written solely for oneself) is written for an audience, to communicate, to which eithers may comment or will walk out.  But, poets need a response to their words.
     I set to writing this blog, first because I know I am not alone…
     Secondly, recently, my husband is fond, of saying in a critical tone, “You are OBSCESSED,” with a pinched-fingers wave of a hand in the air for emphasis.     “
     “With what.” I inquire, getting ready for the lecture.
     “With all THAT!” Another wave of the hand across my entire half of the room…
    Deflated, I say, “What?  Poetry?”
“YES,  You’re OBSCESSED,”
     To no further response, I answer softly, “I know I am.  That’s how you get good.  It’s my life.”
     When I talk to my counselor & relay that conversation, he says,”Good that you are,” as he starts listing history’s greats who were OBSCESSED such as Einstein & Rumi…probably Jesus…
     
     Then follows, the “You’re too worried about how many ‘likes’ you get or what people comment.”
     True & let’s be truthful here.  I think most poets have low self—esteem.  (It’s thecharacter of one who concentrates on the greatness of a single snowflake…) Our current culture doesn’t highly regard poets.  We hold out our poems to share to comments like the quickly said, “I don’t get poetry,” or “I’ll read it later.”  
     The usual response to wanting to share a poem is not unlike that a traveling salesman gets to his knock on the door.
     Yes, we need confirmation.  Even our pups like praise.
Say, “God bless you!” to the sanitation person in the hospital & her appreciative reaction will alert you.
     Generally, it is the very psyche of humans to do things for “a pat on the back.”
And, yes, I think every poet seeks the “Wow!” response…of course, not for every piece or from every person.  However, it carries the.message, perhaps that I AM learning and growing in this work I do & here where I worked hard, inspired, my words related well to this (or these people) person.
     I agree to an extent, with the discussion here recently about wanting positive comments & attitudes about that…because,”we should only post our best & be smart enough to know ourselves when our work is good, so why want comments?”  Well, once again it is the need for recognition and support.  When the player hits a home run ,  beers go up in the stands & the team rushes out to shake hands as the hitter walks over home base.  
     It is supportive.
It is the shared joy of accomplishment.
     It is the human need to respect and share.
Poetry requires a level of sincere humility in relation to others, to nature, to language, to expression, & to the creative process.  In other words, life, family & fellows, & to the art.  And, living at a level of finding the wonder, down to God’s smallest, needs support.
     PoetrySoup saved my life in finding friends who are high-aiming, true poets.  A dear poet friend I met in 2019, got me back to writing after I’d given it up for 35 yrs.   His poet-being felt anguish of aloneness.  Often I wonder if he’d found the large community here of kindred, positive souls, he might not have committed suicide just 3 mos. after we met…

Friend poets, always keep faith & work for the Wow’s.  The living words of language & Poetry will  appreciate you!

(c) sally young Eslinger 10/2021



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Date: 10/14/2021 5:12:00 AM
Hi Sally, I can relate to your very much. Poetry saved my life in a sense as well. As a child, I went through much heartache. Poetry was an outlet for me because I was able to write about that pain. It was cathartic and therapeutic. And yes, I have sought the “ wow” factor as well because I love this art form( poetry ) very much for what it has done for me over the years. Thanks for sharing a blog such as this:-) Alexis
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/14/2021 7:39:00 PM
Alexis, and I thank you for sharing your story here. Sharing for both is growth, I think. And the older we get, the more vivid the memories become, harvesting themselves into further carthetic poetry. Big hugs, sally. Blessings on your pen
Date: 10/14/2021 2:02:00 AM
Back again Sally to tell you that on Tuesday this week I did a reading in church of a selection of my poems for a woman’s meeting. It was supposed to have happened before Covid but obviously had to be deferred, got over the initial nerves and had a wonderful afternoon, the ladies loved it too… Belle
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/14/2021 7:31:00 PM
Belle, that is great to hear! I am thinking I need to attend our city’ poetry group. Got a nice response when I attended in 1982, but that has been awhile haha. Hugs!
Date: 10/13/2021 9:21:00 AM
Quite heartfelt & poignant, Sally! I personally resist even the hint...of negativity in comments & thoughts on poems here, our journey, thru time & space gradually develops ones poetry to the poet's satisfaction, and in literally all cases, including elision enjambment... as the wind sways me, I am grateful for feedback, but, yawn... unswayed, as Dragons Guide Me!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 10/14/2021 9:20:00 PM
Hi Sally, no actors, but sometimes pose as a "good-hearted" man! (left-handed Gemini, my excuse)
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/14/2021 7:49:00 PM
James, you speak truth there…probably about the Dragons, too :-) trailing dragons here…. More can be helped with a positive (anything) than a negative…including most everything, by the by, you or a namesake ever work as an actor?
Date: 10/12/2021 8:29:00 AM
I've always found poetry to be an outlet for my emotions, usually in times of sorrow and tragedy in my life. Sharing thoughts among fellow poets has helped many of us get through suffering. When we get involved in the poems of others, we learn to let our pains bleed through the ink. There is a kind of healing that takes place, and I'll call it a comradery that soothes our soul like a salve that turns our unhappiness into laughter.
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/14/2021 7:56:00 PM
Jenna, agree about spreading joy esp kindness, too. There seems so much hostility being shown one another these days. Can’t help thinking more people getting into Poetry will raise compassion
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Jenna Logan
Date: 10/13/2021 1:06:00 PM
You're correct in that pain shared is lessened and joy shared is increased. So, we should be spreading more joy to each other.
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/12/2021 2:13:00 PM
Jenna, your words here speak so lovely themselves, becoming poetic prose. As I had no one to share poetry with growing up, I cannot share those reactions, not exactly with you, but I was part of a solid, long time group through ballet where our dancing shared such emotions. Since childhood I knew that pain shared was lessened and joy shared is increased. I find the sharing here on PS a great friend builder due to the sharing. So glad to meet you. I must go read your poetry! Sincere regards!
Date: 10/12/2021 5:22:00 AM
Dear Sally, I agree with all you have said about poets and poetry. It took some of my family members a long time to show respect for me as a poet, yet often came to me when they wanted a poem for some occasion or another. If only there was enough time to read and comment on all the poems posted on the site, unfortunately there is not. The poem of mine that to me is my best yet got just two comments, am I disappointed - Yes, sadly that’s how it is for many of us. Thank you for sharing this excellent write… Belle
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/12/2021 7:33:00 AM
Dear, dear Belle, your account is mind-boggling to me. Your poetry is SO good; families just don’t get it! But, then, as my counselor reminds me, Jesus himself remarked the one is not recognized in their own hometown! What really gets me is Recognition & Fame differ. Seems like I (we) would be be more regarded if the fame & $ began, over the excellence of craft.I think this true IOC all artists in all genres. Love your comment. Best wishes!
Date: 10/11/2021 8:59:00 PM
From the tantric perspective, an open throat chakra positions our attention between the material and the ethereal. Communication skills manifest. Poets seek to express the ineffable, uniquely positioned between void and manifestation. As for recognition or appreciation, encouragement propels us to continue our endeavours no doubt but ultimately, we write for ourselves, assimilating the nuances imbibed by our consciousness, as graced by the universe.
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Unseeking Seeker
Date: 10/11/2021 10:15:00 PM
Nothing esoteric about tantra, it’s a misunderstood term actually. Let’s rephrase and say, divine energy, awareness, aliveness, consciousness, God essence, Holy Spirit … take your pick!
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/11/2021 9:33:00 PM
Wow! Now that’ a statement! It presents ideas I need to think about, except for the “expressing the ineffable,” past. I am ignorant of tantric. You’ve given me a lot to learn. I’ve thought of poetry much as translating life…thanks & hugs!
Date: 10/11/2021 6:48:00 PM
Just be yourself Sally, that's all! I think we are here, or some of us (on soup) because of a need, although those needs will differ, from complex to simplicity. Taking in your blog also your wonderful poetry, does open the door to other mindsets, this to me a learning curve.
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/11/2021 9:47:00 PM
Harry, thanks for reading & your supportive comment. Sharing w/living poets is my #1. Like yr point re the learning curve. Comments have helped me aim higher & try diff subjects. Even at 70 I’m still changing so who I am is an ongoing discovery process. When I write prose I am myself. W/poems I am too but as never know how they’ll end, they are in themselves a discovery process also teaching me. Compare de? xo blessings
Date: 10/11/2021 5:21:00 PM
Sally, I certainly enjoyed reading your thoughts, and I have enjoyed your comments and thoughts on my poems. I hope I have responded each time, because I believe that is the polite thing to do. I thoroughly enjoyed your ideas and your comments here. Yes, we all like the WOWS and the FAVES!
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/12/2021 2:20:00 PM
L Milton, I agree abt the ampersands. It is actually annoying on my keyboard to use them. The reason I started is because of the annoying restrictions of P S comment boxes. Reply boxes can be overcome, but comment boxes are a different pain altogether. Apologies. XOX
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/12/2021 8:35:00 AM
My only constructive criticism, Sally, is that I wish you would switch from using ampersands for the word "and" and write out "and." I was taught that ampersands are not acceptable in good writing, and it has always been a pet peeve of mine.
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Sally Eslinger
Date: 10/11/2021 10:14:00 PM
Oh thanks for reading my long blog & commenting. My youth as a writer was so dismal & my family response still is, I have begun a book “How to Raise Your Pet Poet,”to inform folks re poets & poetry. All the way back, Aristotle said poetry was artifice to civilization, which historians like Durant have proven wrong. I truly respect yr work, be critical as U will. Nice getting to know u better.

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