Primarily, my inspiration for creating jewelry or poetry comes from three places. Color, travel, and nature are my biggest influences when I create with beads or words. I have just recently returned from an 11 day trip to some of our National Parks, including Arches, the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and the Petrified Forest. What better inspiration than the beauty and grandeur of the lands that have been preserved for us to enjoy and explore? I can think of only a few other places that would provide a such a deep muse to my creative spirit.
By going to these parks, as well as the Red Rock area of Sedona, I am able to reach and utilize all of my primary inspirations: color, nature, and travel. But, one must also have time to write. I did not take that time, other than posting to my blog periodically during our trip. Upon reviewing my memories, as well as my photography (another hobby), I am sure I’ll feel the creative urge to play with words again soon.
However, I am slowly starting to include other sources of inspiration in my writing life. I took a new book on our trip that includes poetry by Emily Dickinson. It is pictured below.
Within this book are Dickinson’s poems – many of which are inspired by observing nature. I am enjoying the newfound exposure to Dickinson’s work because she drew on many of the same naturally occurring things that I draw upon. For example, the poem “The Butterfly’s Day” recounts some of Dickinson’s observations that I also have made in watching the iconic monarch.
Here is an excerpt from Dickinson’s poem:
“Her pretty parasol was seen
Contracting in a field
Where men made hay, then struggle hard
With an opposing cloud.”
by Emily Dickinson, 1896
I was hoping to see some monarchs in Arizona since they are still migrating through the southern United States. I even took my monarch tags with us on our adventure. Instead, we saw a few small butterflies in Saguaro National Park that were nectaring (feeding) on small purple desert flowers still in bloom. They were a beautiful reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the food we all need for our bodies as well as our souls.
Perhaps, I have an inspirational start to the first poem gleaned from my trip. Time will tell.
What are your inspirations for poetry? Please leave a comment! I’d love to know!
Today is Poetry Friday! Our host today is Linda Baie from the blog Teacher Dance. She is offering some festive Halloween poem inspirations. Thank you, Linda!
The Apples in My Orchard 
What lovely, vivid imagery. I haven’t gotten out for a good poetry-inspiration-ramble, but I do like words – and metaphor dice to give me MORE words!
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Thanks, Tanita!
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Interesting reflections, Carol. My absolute favorite inspirations are typographical errors and misspeech–I love the shock of the funny in unexpected language constructions, which is why teaching young children is so fruitful for my writing. Happy rambling!
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LOL, Heidi! I can definitely see how misspeech could be an inspriation! Young kids are full of actions and words to inspire! Thanks for responding to my query on inspiration!
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Thanks for asking! My inspirations include photographs (all art, really), and poetry forms.
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Interesting, Mary Lee! I had you pegged for a nature inspired writer! Thanks for the reponse!
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Love seeing the book, Carol, & hearing about your trip which sounds awesome. I think my inspiration comes from nature, too, but people & their actions as well. I am a watcher! Thanks for sharing yours!
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Oh, Linda! You hit on a great source of inspriration! I love being a watcher, except for those time when I notice too much! Thanks! (Glad you enjoyed the post and I apologize for the late reply).
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You write of a vital part of poetry that we seldom give much credit to…the receiving of information, inspiration. I love the look of that sketchbook. And, I so look forward to how this trip, these images, and your thoughts transform into writings. How very mindful and thoughtful of you to share.
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Thanks, LInda! I have started to resume a routine at home and plan to focus more on my non-blog writing over the coming weeks. I am glad you could relate to my post. I think a lot about where my inspiration comes from.
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Carol, you gather inspiration in the right places. I look forward to reading some poems about your travels. Nature is such an inspirer.
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Thanks, Carol! I know that nature, in all its awesomeness, inspires many!
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Inspiring post Carol, Emily Dickinson’s book looks intriguing, and I like the parasol in her poem. Nature- nature, nature always calls me… And a few other areas too, thanks!
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Thanks, Michelle. Your nature inspired artwork is always refreshing to see. You have a gift!
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Great post. the Dickinson book is intriguing. Nature and photos, small details are my inspirations.
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Thanks, Jone. The Dickinson book was a find – on the discounted rack at Barnes and Noble. I think small details can be a great inspiration, too! Thanks for responding to my curiosity!
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What a cool book that looks like! Nature, interesting photos, and overheard or read snippets of words/language that just catch my fancy. Those are pry my biggest inspirations. Also, having a deep or complicated thought and wondering if I could make a poem of it–I rarely can.
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Sounds just about right for you, Lainie, from what I know! I love language too and playing with it is often an inspiration for me as well!
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