The Writers' Series

Heading to the Writers’ Series I was skeptical as to what I was in for.  I was unsure about what would be read and how I would feel listening to clusters of letters forming words that would illustrate the speakers work. Sitting there in my chair listening to each speaker take his/her turn at the podium while I jotted notes down endless concluded for a minute or two when the sixth speaker began to read. Gwendolyn Rosemond’s choice to read a gloomy (death) poem made the content of the poem more appealing. The poem stood in its own category giving the listener (myself) bits and pieces of essential information so I could attempt to put the pieces together to figure what was to come. Rosemond’s poem You only think you know me use of vivid language is one element that matters the most to me as a writer. Envisioning each line as Rosemond read her poem aloud taught me a key component about my own creative writing. I have come to realize that I too use vivid words when trying to illustrate my thoughts.  

For me vivid words bring my writings to life. It’s as if I have an alternate life when I write. I want to take my readers and listeners although I prefer not to read what I write in front of others on a journey. Journeys that will help individuals grasp the meaning of my written works on a deeper level. I don’t want my words to be looked upon as just words. Rather I aim for my diction to be viewed as something more meaningful something pleasing to the mind. Rosemond’s strategy of how she constructed her poem reminds me of a thriller film. As she read You only think you know me I was sitting somewhat on the edge of my seat wondering what the grandson and Husband (two of the main characters) would do next. The element of suspense may have been the intention of Rosemond and I must say I was drawn in by it.