Hey friends
Do you ever read some amazing poetry and get the feeling that the stuff you write just doesn't even match it in standard?
How do you deal with that feeling?
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I don't know. I mean, I think I have about three versions of the 'sinking feeling'.
I read a poem that is so overcomplicated and full of words I don't understand that I think 'Are my poems too simple? They'll never be published.'
I read a poem that is, ahem, a bit 'simplistic'. And I don't mean that the language is simple. I think using simple language can be quite effective if done right. I mean when the message and overall technique is simple and I think 'I can write better poems than that, why aren't mine published?'
And finally, I read a poem that is so beautiful and says everything I want to say but much better than I ever can and I'm not good enough.
The thing about that last one is that if I'm in a good mood (which I'm currently not because of reasons unrelated to poetry), I can use this as inspiration. What is it about that poem that I love so much? How can I mimic it in my own voice?
The sinking feeling is a good thing. Keeps you from falling victim to satisfaction and self approval. You are your own worst critic and your best editor. I speak for myself when I say I like reading your poetry Marc. But I have the sneaking feeling I'm not alone.
Hope you’re feeling better now!
You have some amazing answers already Marc. All I can say is that sinking feeling is literally part of the artist. We all feel it at times, the important thing is to look deeper and make sure you do not let it overcome you. The famous song 'I get knocked down, but I get up again... nothing's gonna keep me down.'
We are our own worst critics, and it's so natural to feel what your feeling! It's not true, just your brain playing tricks on you... BUT even if it were true, at least you are aware enough to notice mistakes and ways to improve resulting in you becoming a better poet!
Big love Marc, we're all here together!
Yes I totally feel this all the time! When that happens, I usually study the poem to learn the author‘s technique and pinpoint specific things I like about it. Then I try to put a unique twist on those things and try writing a poem incorporating them. Feeling this way can be really defeating, but I also think you can take it as a challenge. And at the very least, you can simply enjoy the poem and the author‘s talent. After all, isn’t that that the purpose of reading? :)
Hey Marc, can't say that you'd have any reason to feel that way after reading much of your work over the last few months! I find that you have a unique way of communicating certain images and feelings in a way I know I can't, because you're never explicit and direct about it, nor do you use very obvious metaphors, which is an art in itself to master. Just thought as a fellow poet, I should let you know that. Besides- as you've mentioned- you haven't been writing for long which is really impressive.
In terms of that sinking feeling? I get what you mean, especially if you thought a particular poem of yours was great and everyone seemed to feel quite indifferent to it. But I say let self-doubt motivate you to do better not for others, but yourself. I've always said that constructive criticism can only help your craft, and as Rob said, we all have blindspots and a community like ours helps us find those. Quite often, people take negative emotions such as self-doubt, insecurity, anger and jealously (not saying we're angry or jealous people, lol, but just saying for argument's sake) and use these destructive, unhelpful emotions in a negative way (i.e. hurting yourself or others). Let it instead drive you and your passion to produce the best work you can rather than impair your confidence in yourself. Self-doubt can be such a powerful tool for change.
But above all, what I have discovered at the Cove is that we are all such talented writers and the beauty of that is, we express that beauty in different ways. Rob is the master of the sonnet, as you are the master of short but dynamic poetry. I enjoy all the unique gifts we deliver together, and it's awesome being surprised and impressed by all the different content I read here. How boring would it be if all our poetry was so similar? Really think about that.
Yes definitely Marc, but I also know that's normal to have self doubt.
That's why it's good to connect with others, to get their perspective. I don't think it's good to be looking for approval but with different perspectives you can use it to find new positives in your work that pass you by. We've all got blind spots.