POEM STARTER

Write a poem about a moment in life which seems fleeting.

Maybe it's a moment you wish could last longer, or a short period of pain that goes away.

Familiar Faces

Poetry

Every time I go outside I always hope to see known faces from the past in the crowd I look around for familiar cars that you could step out of And today I saw one of those faces at the grocery store I was hoping you would look up to me and see my face Maybe even start up a conversation However you didn’t And I didn’t have the guts to come up to you I convince myself that I’ll see you soon Even though I know it won’t be for another 5 months or more when we meet again And deep inside of me I wonder if you would even recognize me anymore If you still know my name So here we are I’m looking at you thinking you’ll feel someone staring but you don’t Therefore I walk out Without a word being said I just have to go on hoping that one day I’ll get the rare chance of running into them in public once again I wish more than anything that I could see them more often That I could see these ghosts of my past as often as I used to But I can’t That chapter of my life is forever closed • • • Honestly, not too sure how I feel about this one but thought I would post anyway. I’m not really liking any of the things I’m writing at the moment so I’m just trying to get back into it. Let me know your thoughts ☺️🫶🏻

Comments 4

Nicholas Rock

7 months ago

I think it’s good writing! I enjoyed the piece.

Just random advice I would give to anyone trying to better themselves in poetry:

Read a lot of poetry. I’m (finally) doing a lot more reading on some great poets of old. And new ones here of course. Currently about halfway through CS Lewis’ book of poetry — rightly titled ‘Poems’. It’s good stuff! Making me reevaluate my writing, and reinforce it! I encourage you to read as much poetry as you can, and then sort of imitate the style a bit. Make it your own, but be inspired!

Instead of telling only your emotions, use metaphor and symbolism, compare the feeling to something in the natural realm - ex: “I just have to go on hoping one day I’ll get the rare chance of running into them in public once again” could benefit from metaphor; “I just have to hope, the way a dry tree withers under cloudless skies, hoping for rain - I must hope that I’ll have another encounter; a river maybe with you.” Or something like that. It gives the reader an example of the desperation. Your piece tells me you yearn to meet this person, but it’d be better for you to show me! Show not tell sorta applies to poetry as well at times. Though not always.

There’s a link in my bio that takes you to a wealth of information about poetry. It defines and explains hundreds of poetic terms and devices. It helps to study!

Anyway, I’m not the type to dislike any poem. I’ve only ever read a couple that I didn’t like. That makes my opinion a bit void on giving much feedback. Keep growing! Look for ways to improve if that’s what you want to do!

DjinniRB

7 months ago

I really enjoyed this. Tender and vulnerable, this poem painted a picture of longing inside my head. Totally understand not liking anything you’re writing. Many writers go through this. Keep writing everyday. I found The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron helpful to push past self doubt.

Delilah 🥀

There are more places to see. More things to create. More people to love. There’s always more to explore