Should I continue writing more poems?

Should I continue writing poems? Exploring the journey from self-doubt to community requests. A personal reflection on poetry writing and skill development.

2 min read 280 words

Long ago, I tried my hand at writing poems. And trust me, I am nowhere near the poetic part. I have a good grip over language, but that is only for my mother tongue. I am quite comfortable with English, but still nowhere near having an artistic touch. Or in simple language, my database of words is not that strong. But normally I am able to convey my feelings.

I can say I am pretty lucky when it comes to writing poems. Though I have written only a few, many of them got good reviews from whoever read them. But that charm doesn't last that much.

I wrote a poem for my sister and it didn't get any kind of review. I did get a personal message from my sister after a long time that "it was sweet". But that's all because she is my sister. Personally, if I were to give a review to this poem, it is not good at all. There are a tsunami of feelings I wanted to convert, and I just converted drops of it. And at that moment, I decided I would never write a poem again—at least never in public.

I do write sometimes, but that is all personal, on personal request. And I will not share those poems. They are just a few lines I crafted for the person who requested them. Like few hand-picked words, that's it.

But over time I got requests to write more poems. So I decided to take a course at Coursera, and with that I'd like to get the opinion of others.

Should I write more poems?

Please write whatever you think in the comments and help me make a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I continue writing poems if I'm not naturally talented?

Talent alone isn't everything—the author received positive reviews despite feeling their work lacked artistic polish. Taking formal courses like those offered on Coursera can help you develop your skills and bridge the gap between feeling and expression, making it worth continuing if you're willing to learn and improve.

Why did the author decide to stop writing poems publicly?

After writing a poem for their sister, the author felt they had only converted 'drops' of the emotions they wanted to express, despite getting positive personal feedback. This gap between intention and execution led them to keep subsequent poems private and only share them on personal request.

How can I improve my poetry writing skills?

Consider enrolling in structured courses like songwriting or creative writing classes on platforms such as Coursera to learn techniques and get professional guidance. Additionally, requesting feedback from others and studying how published poets convey emotions can help you develop a stronger artistic voice over time.

Is it worth writing poems just for personal requests?

Yes—the author found value in crafting personalized poems for specific people, even in a limited form. This approach allows you to practice, maintain your creative skills, and create meaningful content for your audience without the pressure of public scrutiny.

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