Upon my return from London, waiting in the mailbox was one of Jen Lee's journals. I learned about Jen from the remarkable Jen Leman, whom I had the pleasure to meet in San Francisco. After reading Jen Lee's poem, I couldn't resist ordering her lovely journal, which is mostly blank (interspersed with a few images and quotes) to fill with one's own musings.
Here's Jen Lee's poem that made me catch my breath:
Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It might tell someone how
you feel. How you hurt.
What you don't understand.
Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It will show who you are
on the inside to the outside.
It'll blow your cover,
your nice reputation.
Don't write.
It's too powerful.
You might hurt someone's feelings.
People may not like your words.
They may attack you, or abandon you.
Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It might give others hope.
Let them know
they're not alone.
It might change minds.
Change directions.
Change the world.
So, whatever you do,
don't write.
that is beautiful and powerful! thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: elizabeth | 23 October 2008 at 07:26
This is wonderful, I know my kids would appreciate reading this also.
Bliss!
Posted by: Christina | 20 October 2008 at 15:59
Hi Tara - I'm trying to play catch-up again on your wonderful blog, after nearly two weeks of the pages not loading fully enough to read/see all of it, let alone leave comments...
I'm so glad not only can I see all of it again, but also that I decided to come back to the point where I was last able to view it - because this poem is exactly what I needed to read right now. Perhaps everything does happen for a reason...Thank you so much for sharing it!
~bisous~
Posted by: tinker | 27 September 2008 at 01:11
This is a wonderful poem and one that I will return to. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: tangobaby | 16 September 2008 at 17:47
Wonderful poem - and wonderful reminder. I've been NOT writing for months now and it's been hell.
xx,
JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ JP/deb | 16 September 2008 at 16:11
I am glad that you took the time to type this out and share it. Who is this artist - am I so in a cave?? I write and I NEVER write what i really want to say. I might put this on the bulletin board i bought at ikea yesterday, to make me move, in the direction of more honesty, and probably then, better writing.
Posted by: jessica | 16 September 2008 at 14:19
based upon what i just read in the recent post above "London Fashion Week overshadowed by bank collapse" you, of all the bloggers i read are the incarnation of this poem. you are always brave. always stating the truth as you see it and always looking where you are not supposed to be looking. you write and you write. i don't know what the fallout in your life may be in regards to your blogging but you are courageous and resilient enough to take the heat. i think this poem may have been written for you :)
Xo
Posted by: robin bird | 16 September 2008 at 06:55
Welcome home Tara! I'm sorry about your trip home but I hope you had a great birthday.
Powerful poem! This is such a passionate election that emotions are running high on blogs. I have read all of the issues that I'm concerned with and have made my choice. I am praying that Obama can pull off his plans.
Thinking of you,
Tammy
XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 15 September 2008 at 21:39
Very powerful...and you, Tara...please keep writing.
the internet seems to have swallowed up my words (comment on your previous post)
Posted by: stephanie | 15 September 2008 at 17:02
Awesome poem. I was contemplating stopping blog writing, in part because I am worried that I can't control who's reading my blog and that scares me. Thanks for sharing this poem...we all need reminding why it's so important to write from time to time!
Posted by: Kamsin | 15 September 2008 at 12:08
Public displays of vulnerability in our writing is a hazardous side effect of blogging.
People may not always agree or like what we write. Some may find inspiration.
But the common denominator is bravery; if you write you are among the bravest. For it takes tremendous courage to put yourself out there.
xoxo
Fab poem.
Off to see the journalings of Jen now....
Welcome home, to one of the best writers I know!
Posted by: Gillian | 15 September 2008 at 00:11
This is powerful.
It comes at a time when I have sent my brother some of my more personal writings, trying to connect with him. Some of them are not very sweet, you know. But things he never knew or heard. Part of me was afraid of giving them to him, afraid of how he would handle it...Yesterday I got a letter from him, in which he told me how they are helping him. And touching him. And I feel they are pulling him closer to me-- so I may help him know how loved he is.
I am happy I DID write.
:)
Posted by: amber | 14 September 2008 at 20:08
i can see why this made you catch your breath...it did the same for me. your timing was a perfect addition to an already incredible morning. thank you!!!
Posted by: lucy | 14 September 2008 at 17:52
Beautiful poem.
Posted by: My Mélange | 14 September 2008 at 17:38
What a wonderfull poem and so in time - I am just sitting on my sofa and thinking to start a new blog...
Posted by: Ewa | 14 September 2008 at 17:22
Oh! Thank you so much for sharing this. It is, indeed, a breathtaking poem.
Posted by: Fran | 14 September 2008 at 16:14