Why Write?

Johann Ender  (1793–1854)  

I think that this is a question every writer asks themselves, and I love reading the quotes and opinions of others on this same question.

A poet that I admire, is William Stafford; ‘Ask Me’ is one of my favourites. Two of his quotes that speak to me are as follows:

“Everyone is born a poet – a person discovering the way words sound and work, caring and delighting in words. I just kept on doing what everyone starts out doing. The real question is: Why did other people stop?”
― William Stafford

The last stanza from his final poem “Are You Mr William Stafford’ written on the morning of his death:

You can’t tell when strange things with meaning
will happen. I’m [still] here writing it down
just the way it was. “You don’t have to
prove anything,” my mother said. “Just be ready
for what God sends.”

William Stafford

This final stanza, encouraging us to be ready for what God, (or if you are spiritual the universe) sends is gracious in its ease and fearlessness. Writing doesn’t have to be the fire of the forge, it can be careful and quiet listening.

A poem that I recently wrote is titled ‘Speak the Words’

Speak The Words

There are many stories that the earth
contains. I write to hear them. 
When I sleep, they creep into my dreams.

Tendon and muscle sown with words
that sing as the air vibrates.
When we sleep, they creep into our dreams.

Starried stories dreaming to be heard, 
escape the blood and bone of earth;
whisper in my ear, do not be afraid.

Shereen Abdallah ©

And you, why do you write?