My Poem on Life and Death Explained

The journey of creating poetry often involves engaging with deep themes, as demonstrated in my recent submission to Illumination-Curated.

In my poem, I explore the contrasts of existence and loss:

Deaths’ facts differ still Will drives lives’ paths to deaths’ dates Love burns — searing pain Deepest loss most room for gain Endless pain, Light fills the drain

Understanding the Decoder Ring

The opening lines of my poem reflect a personal belief shaped by discussions with my spiritual guides. I believe that every soul has a predetermined birth and death date; however, the journey to that end is greatly influenced by the choices we make and the lessons we encounter along the way.

The latter lines of the poem capture the profound sorrow felt by those left behind, with the intensity of love amplifying the pain of loss. For me, the vastness of this sorrow creates space for an endless influx of light.

Tips for Poetic Writing

If you're looking to broaden your audience, consider simplifying complex sentences. Feedback from curation teams can sometimes lead to edits that may not align with your style. In such cases, you have a choice: either adapt to the publication's standards or seek a platform that appreciates your narrative voice.

In my own experience, I once faced edits that altered the flow of my writing. I chose to accept the changes but later reached out to the editor to clarify my intentions, which opened a dialogue about their editorial guidelines.

Notice how I’ve avoided using forms of the verb “to be” throughout this piece. This choice emphasizes the strength of active voice, making sentences more engaging.

The Poem's Meaningful Birth

Recently, I had a meaningful conversation with a fellow poet, Patrick M. Ohana, about the role of humor in poetry and its ability to evoke emotional responses. We discussed a poem that explored personal loss, which resonated with both of us.

In our exchange, I recognized the importance of sharing similar experiences rather than focusing on differences. This shared understanding fosters genuine connections.

Navigating Conversations About Death

When discussing themes of death and mourning, it is vital to approach the topic with empathy. Generalizations can undermine personal experiences, which is why I reacted strongly to a writer who oversimplified the grieving process.

We all have unique stories regarding loss, and acknowledging these differences while finding common ground is crucial in fostering understanding.

Engaging with Criticism

Receiving critiques can be challenging, but they are essential for growth. I recently discovered an insightful article that emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback. Engaging in meaningful discussions helps writers refine their craft rather than merely seeking validation.

Visuals and Their Significance

When selecting images to accompany poetry, it’s beneficial to provide thoughtful captions. These captions enhance the reader's experience and clarify the underlying messages in the poem.

For my poem on death, I chose an image that reflects the cyclical nature of life:

Conclusion

Meaningful engagement in writing stems from shared experiences and understanding, rather than highlighting differences. By focusing on common feelings and fostering genuine connections, we can create a supportive community for writers.

I appreciate your reading this exploration of poetry and its capacity to connect us through shared themes of life and death.

In Rama I create, Marcus