Welcome to Poetry Friday at Alphabet Soup!
Today, just for you — sip some tea, nibble on a macaron, and gently savor Charles Ghigna’s heartening and beautifully crafted reflections on creativity.
I am honored to share three poetic pieces from his new book, Dear Poet: Notes to a Young Writer (Resource Publications, 2019).
Described as, “A Poetic Journey into the Creative Process for Readers, Writers, Artists & Dreamers,” this collection of twenty-four spare, unadorned “word-gems” is an insightful gift to all creatives, offering both invaluable advice and spiritual nourishment.
As I enter my seventh decade on this planet, I wonder what words of wisdom I might have written to the younger me. What treasured tidbits have I learned along the way? What could I leave in a letter to young artists and poets searching the world for advice, guidance, and inspiration.
The creative process is a mysterious one, muses can be fickle, and in endeavors where one’s reach almost always exceeds one’s grasp, the life of the artist can be daunting and lonely.
I have always believed that in a sense, you cannot actually “teach” someone how to write, just as you cannot teach someone how to think or how to feel. And while there are many helpful books about honing your craft with suggestions about form, structure, voice, etc., detailing the more technical aspects of writing, sometimes what a writer needs, or craves . . . are simple, enduring truths gleaned from years of experience.
As I read the short yet profound poems, I silently cheered in affirmation. Yes, trust your instincts, speak the truth in your heart, find your authentic voice, get out of your own way and let the work speak for itself. Only write if you must.
Dear Poet is like having a trusted friend nearby, reminding you of what is most important. Though the subtitle is, “Notes to a Young Writer,” these words are for everyone, no matter where you are on your creative journey. Aren’t all artists and writers eternally young (in a constant state of beginning)?
I’m pairing today’s poems with art created by Charles’s son Chip, who also lives and works in Homewood, Alabama. As you can see, artistic talent runs deep in this family (Charles’s wife Debra is also a poet).
Good things do come in small packages. Read these delectable nuggets slowly and ponder . . . 🙂
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XII.
A silent rhyme
upon the page
is what the poet gives,
gentle words
whispered in trust
to see if memory lives.
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XVII.
A poem
is a rising moon
shining on the sea,
an afterglow
of all you know,
of all your dreams set free.
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XXIV.
The answer
to the artist
comes quicker than a blink,
though the spark
of inspiration
is not what you might think.
The muse
is full of magic,
though her vision may be dim.
The artist
does not choose the work.
It is the work that chooses him.
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Now, please leave your links with the dashing Mr. Linky below. Have fun visiting all the blogs serving up delectable poetic goodness this week!
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DEAR POET: Notes to a Young Writer
written by Charles Ghigna
published by Resource Publications, August 2019
Poetry Collection, 56 pp.
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♥ For information about where you can purchase Chip Ghigna’s amazing art, please visit his Official Website.
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* Images posted by permission, copyright © 2019 Chip Ghigna. All rights reserved.
** Copyright © 2019 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.
Clearly he wasn’t up on his Canadian poets, or he would have sung the praises of one 
Today’s menu features four good-looking but sticky poets:
Not that I need an excuse to spread it on extra thick or anything. Why, just this morning I had a nice slice of lightly toasted multi-grain bread slathered with 365 All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter and Hawaiian Sun Guava Jelly. Don’t you love the way peanut butter melts on warm toast, making you lick the corners of your mouth after biting into it? Mmmmmmm!