remembering the time when i was commissioned to write a poem commemorating the 90th anniversary of SMI, and how i got stuck because for the life of me, i had absolutely no idea where to begin.
thank goodness for Bro Vincent Corkery who inspired me to write about SMI from the perspective of humble Michaelians (as opposed to the famous and the great) - hence, 'Homage to the Humble Michaelian' which i eventually recited at the assembly.
having said that, the words Bro Vincent gave me still stay with me - that there must be suffering and turmoil to produce great poetry. that sadness somehow generates better writing.
looking back, i m inclined to agree. it's almost as if the feelings give the words added depth and bestow on them the X Factor which make them stand out. otherwise they'd be nothing but empty words, arranged about prettily, a cadence and rhythm which has a catchy beat and yet nothing stirs the heart.
have i suffered for my art? i don't think so, but i am glad and thankful that i have this gift of writing - it allows me somehow to make sense of what i have gone through and share it in a way which moves the senses.
of one of the saddest episodes in my life - i think of the immense amount of poetry it has generated, some of which has seen light on this blog and i know that while it cannot be GREAT poetry, it is at least honest and sincere. and i keep trying to improve my craft.
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