Who do you write for???

I mean, in a semi altruistic way, I like to think I write for others. What I mean is: there are so many poems in the world that I connect with because I relate to it, of course I want people to relate to my poems.

That being said, even though the thought of people relating to my poems is wonderful, it's not my priority. I am a selfish writer. I write for me. It's therapy for me.

For most of the past two years, I've been writing based on prompts but even then, I'm exploring a memory or a relationship or something.

And then there's the therapy poems where I throw a bunch of words at the page and hopes something sticks.

On a more personal level, I'm not good with engaging with my feelings or talking about my feelings and writing is the best way I know how to do that.

Well I don't really know who I write for. maybe I don't write for anyone. I just started writing as an experiment and now I have all this stuff sloshing around inside my mind waiting to get out. It's like each poem is a little baby, although I do like sharing my stuff and letting others read it but I'm not really bothered if people like it or not. Obviously it's a great ego boost when people praise my little attempts.

Sometimes psychological projection is a factor and sometimes soulful retrospection is at play. If the writer is caught up in The Who of an audience, then the writer is more of an insect caught in a trap or an owl stuck in a tree. If the writer is lost in navel gazing, the writer is wandering in the maze of an identity questions. Perhaps writing itself then is the doorway to discovery, wherein the voice of the writer shows up, and the audience appears (perhaps). This is the stuff Zen koans are made of (wink).

Sounds like you've been caught up in a logic net my friend. I wouldn't get too wound up trying to figure out the intricacies, and just focus on writing in the moment. One thing I've learned over the years is to not create my own mind traps because then I'd never get anything done.

Though, if I had to choose a reason, I'm afraid it's the same as everyone else. I write to get things off my mind. Whatever those thoughts may be.

So interesting you say who you write for impacts how it connects. I don't feel like my stuff connects with people much. Maybe it's too personal. I write as a form of self care, therapy. It helps me figure out whatever has happened or is going on. I share for other people. I've found it really helpful when I've found a poem I can relate to. It's my way of paying it forward a smidge I guess.

Have you been reading Simon Sinek by any chance? hehe