When I started my BA in English literature, I felt that writing poetry was too hard to learn. I was very intimidated but also quite intrigued. Only after taking some writing classes did I find the courage to take a poetry class. I loved it and felt inspired to write some of my own, but still felt very self-conscious. I would sit down to write but was quickly overcome by imposter syndrome and negative thoughts. Thoughts like I have no clue how to write poetry, how to even start. What if it’s not any good. Well duh I’ve never written poetry before, and usually any trade needs lots of practice. I don’t’ know why I put so much pressure on myself, thinking I would sit down and be the next Emily Dickinson. So, one day I sat down and tried something new, I tried positive thoughts. I quickly scribbled these lines down just in case I was over come again by pessimism. It wasn’t good and many of my poetry isn’t great, or even good, but they are my way to express my emotions, and art is subjective anyways. So here it goes.
The Pen
I am a writer
Call me what you want
But, I am a writer
No expensive education needed,
Only a pen,
And maybe paper too
No time consuming classes,
With time consuming teachers too
I am a writer, did you hear!
Grammar and passion,
Ideas and faith,
And truth not to forget!
Call me a poet, I don’t care
But I am a writer,
And a woman too!
by Cristina Tarantino 1/19/2015
