We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. So medicine, law, business, engineering… these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for.

John Keating in Dead Poets Society

My husband and I were flipping through channels this weekend and stopped on a movie channel showing Dead Poets Society.  We both hadn’t watched this movie in a few years.  I snuggled into the couch with my fuzzy blue blankie and quickly became engrossed.

I needed to hear the aforementioned quote.  Honestly, being artistically inclined can  be thankless and demoralizing.  In a society which is shaped by achievements and monetary incentives, it is difficult to exist as a human powered by something more.  I have never been particularly interest in the typical carrots which people spend their lives striving to achieve.  My life force comes from words: taking them in and putting them together.

Words which have recently inspired me are contained within Rupi Kaur‘s milk and honey.

trying to convince myself

i am allowed

to take up space

is like writing with

my left hand

when i was born

to use my right

–the idea of shrinking is hereditary

Eight lines.  Succinct and impactful.  How many women can see themselves in this poem?  I relate to this not only as a woman, but as a writer.  There have been so many moments where I wanted to not exist or take up space as both a woman and writer.  If only I were someone or something else….

Yet, I have learned that I can’t shrink away from what I am called to do.  This is what I have been given.  I can embrace it and continue to look for encouragement on this path which I pursue.