A few days ago, I was introduced to the joy of the Write Club Podcast. Author Linda Newbery talked about her passion for writing and the benefits of community in what is often a solitary occupation. I was interested to hear that she is very secretive about her new work, not allowing anyone to see it until she feels that it is finished. What she writes is hers, and she likes to keep it that way until she is ready. This message resonates very strongly with me. I want to learn the craft of writing and I know that I am going to have to share my work at some point as part of that process, but I can’t pretend that it doesn’t scare me. Linda has the benefit of many years of experience and a successful writing career. She knows when something is ready. Will I when the time comes?
I have an old wooden box in which I keep all sorts of photos and pieces of paper which are important to me. They are not organised, just dropped in when they pass a mysterious, uncodified test of worthiness. At the very bottom of the box, where it has languished for more years than I am prepared to divulge, is a folder marked ‘No Entry to Unauthorised Personnel. The Collected Poems of Midge.’ It is fair to say that the quality of the poetry is dubious to say the least, but I’m going to share this one with you anyway. You will see why, but I’ll let you decide whether I’ve made the right decision.
Just enough light to see paper and pen.
To scribble my thoughts in the otherwise dim.
Just enough light to enable my mind
To focus it’s thoughts in the otherwise blind.
Just enough light, enabling me
To record the feelings others don’t see.
Just enough light to finish the day.
Then I’ll rest my eyes and let thoughts drift away.
Never too much for fear that my might
Been seen by another
No, just enough light.