For The Sunday Whirl: Wordle #80
http://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
And for We Write Poems: list poem I Write Because… http://wewritepoems.wordpress.com/
A List Poem About Why
I write because there was a time when women
were thought incapable of doing so.
I write because there are still men living,
who would prefer that I didn’t.
I write because I truly believe that words
have a peculiar power.
I write to fulfill a deep wish to change
my world to one of love and peace.
I write because I have been damaged
and continue to seek healing.
I write to find my path and my way.
I write because I think.
I write because I am a single soul in search
of counter-point harmony.
I write words that are a thread that might
one day hem the ragged edge of my existence.
I write to insure myself that I will never again
be bound by silence.
I write to express whatever truth lives
and breathes within me.
We who write hold a sacred responsibility
to speak for those among us, who
have never been allowed to do so.
Elizabeth Crawford 10/28/12
Notes: I have been thinking of different ways to respond to the We Write Poems prompt since seeing it. Then got Brenda’s list and found a perfect match. Thank you, Brenda.
Attention: I have put up a slideshow to preview a poem a day challenge for the month of November. Please take a look and let me know what you think: http://1sojournal.wordpress.com/
Soul's Music 
Now I know why my wordle poems didn’t work and yours does, splendidly. Yours is written from the heart.
And you dear lady, sell yourself far too short. Rule #1: no comparisons.
Elizabeth
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It’s a great match, Elizabeth. I like this one best, though all the lines speak with the power of truth.
I write words that are a thread that might
one day hem the ragged edge of my existence.
Thanks Irene, the words were so straight forward, I didn’t want to mess with them. However, I couldn’t do the whole list without some touch of metaphor,
Elizabeth
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Next to our minds, (I think) words are our most powerful tool. We either build with them or, we destroy.
I’m so glad you have found such tremendous healing in the writing of yours. They are certainly lovely.
Thank you much. I started writing poetry because it was the cheapest form of therapy available. It still is,
Elizabeth
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Really spectacular List Poem, Elizabeth! So many excellent reasons to write. I love them all!
Marianne, the words led the way and I dare say, once begun, it was difficult to stop. There are so many more reasons, yes?
Elizabeth
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I am so impressed that I may just adopt your reasons as my own!
Another Whirl with Robert Bly
What a fantastic compliment, MMT. Thank you!
Elizabeth
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Such a powerful response here, Elizabeth…you’re truly inspiring to me. Thank you.
“I write because I truly believe that words
have a peculiar power.”
“I write words that are a thread that might
one day hem the ragged edge of my existence.”
This one is such a creative metaphor.
Another high compliment. I may start blushing, Hannah. Thank you,
Elizabeth
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I am in love! That is the exact feeling I felt as I read your words! All is right with the world, you head the list!
Thanks so much my friend. What a wonderful thing to say,
Elizabeth
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This is a strong write, Elizabeth. Your reasons are perfect, and mirror many of our own. Thanks for going here today. The first couplet resonates. We must maintain our rights at all costs. Excellent contribution.
Brenda, I couldn’t have done it without your choice of words. I obviously had a strong reaction to your wordle creation, as well. Pens in hands, we will go right on marching,
Elizabeth
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So very beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing…and speaking the words so many of us feel.
Paula, my reaction to the words was intense and immediate, but I also thought that with this group of people, they were pretty common. To the community, yes?
Elizabeth
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I can relate to so much of this, but especially:
I write to insure myself that I will never again
be bound by silence.
Laurie, breaking silence will always be the most important thing I have ever done. Thank you for understanding,
Elizabeth
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Great use of both prompts. I love the content of each and every stanza. My favorite was this:
I write because I am a single soul in search
of counter-point harmony.
Thanks Nan. I do believe that behind every writer is the desire to be heard and understood.
Elizabeth
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I really like how you connected the two ideas.
Robyn, I often tell people that I live by following the signs and symbols around me. Connecting the dots is a way of life,
Elizabeth
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Ah, I wrote a different kind of list, but I haven’t posted it yet.
Good for you! There are several stand outs. That being said I wouldn’t take any away from the ‘body’ because that makes it ‘whole’.
I’m here:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/10/sunday-whirl-80-revelations-part-ii.html
Strange, isn’t it Jules? I found a sense of deep satisfaction and wholeness in writing it.
Elizabeth
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Gorgeous write, Elizabeth. Many of your reasons mirror my own as well. I love list poems.
Pamela
Thank you my friend. I fell in love with list poems many years ago, but then I also fell in love with the very idea of poetry when that door seemed to magically open before me,
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, this is one of your best, a signature piece. Absolutely wonderful, especially the thread with which you will hem the ragged edge of your existence. Wow, kiddo. LOVE this poem!!!!!!!! Way to BE!!!!!!
Sherry, I often think of ‘The Call’ poem as my signature piece. Have to admit however, that I was tempted to title this one: ‘My Manifesto’. Thank you my fellow traveler, for your constant support and encouragement.
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, I love it. I wish I had written it. I feel it deep within me. Thank you for putting words to what I feel. As I am about to embark on National Novel Writing Month, and am bringing along with me a number of students, I feel very strongly about the power of writing. No silence!
Richard
Thank you so much, Richard, that is the highest of praise. You, dear man, are the wind beneath the wings of your students. They are blessed.
Elizabeth
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I love this!
And I am so glad that you do, Janet.
Elizabeth
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nicely done…me too.
Thank you, Mama P,
Elizabeth
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No reason to stop… keep writing…!
I have no intention of stopping, Stan, and can only hope that you will do the same,
Elizabeth
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I completely lost track of the actual words. Nicely done!
Thanks Misky, I’m so glad I didn’t, lol,
Elizabeth
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You could not have used these two prompts to better advantage. Love this poem!
Thank you Sara, I couldn’t agree with you more,
Elizabeth
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Ah, T’is the day…
I’m here:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/10/wwp-129-i-write.html
Belonging to a varied and wondrous group makes us all ‘whole’. 🙂
And widens and deepens our own experience. Thanks Jules,
Elizabeth
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Indeed you do. This is a fine piece of writing…
Glad you enjoyed and I was quite taken with your own,
Elizabeth
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I write because I am a single soul in search
of counter-point harmony.
I write words that are a thread that might
one day hem the ragged edge of my existence.
Oh my goodness. Wow. I am so glad that you write!
Writing is a lot like breathing for me and I’m just as glad that I do. Thanks Kelly,
Elizabeth
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Hello Elizabeth, the opening blew me away and this sociopolitical reminder so, so needed. I am glad the poem so strongly made this history of silence present. I am glad to be reminded that I am a woman and a writer, not just a writer. Also applaud the lovely imagery. Thank-you for this poem. I shall try to remember to write as a woman today.
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The line that resonated with the the most was: “I write because I am a single soul in search
of counter-point harmony.”
I’ve come to believe also that writing is a calling, and a sacred one as well. I’ve always felt it is one of the largest reasons I incarnated here, on this planet, at this point in time. I am sure it is true for our community of poets as well as anyone who feels moved to pick up a pen and pursue the craft in some fashion.
-Nicole
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