Hey poets,
When you sit down to write a poem, who is it really for? Do you write as a personal outlet, capturing your thoughts and emotions just for yourself? Or do you craft your words with an audience in mind, hoping to connect, inspire, or even challenge readers? Maybe it’s a mix of both?
Some poets find that writing is deeply personal, almost like a diary, while others love the idea of their work being shared, performed, or published. Do you ever adjust your writing style depending on whether a poem will stay private or be shared? And if you do share, how does knowing others will read it affect the way you write?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you write for yourself, for an audience, or somewhere in between? Let’s discuss!
I write for myself in hope that a reader may be inspired or encouraged by whatever that writing may be. Two birds. One stone.
What Carah and Herb said!
I write for both.... but for myself first. I find that a lot of my poems are deeply personal, and I try to explain EXACTLY how something feels for others to relate to in some way. But it always starts out for me... as an outlet or a way to get my feelings out.
Yes and yes.