Fall 1988
On Writing
Illinois Central College
ENG 110 Composition
by James Landrith
On Writing
Illinois Central College
ENG 110 Composition
by James Landrith
Poetic writing and self expression appeal to me as a writer, more than an adventure or a western tale. I prefer to write poetry. I feel much freer in my form of expression. Writing a story, on the other hand, can be very difficult to for me. Writing poetry allows me to be as elusive or as straight forward as I feel necessary.
I admire the work and the circumstances under which much of the world’s greatest poetry was written. The flood of feelings and ideas that went through the heart and soul of these poets is awe inspiring. Poetry, or any kind of writing, should come from deep inside you, or it is not sincere. If it is not sincere, then it is worthless writing. If a person doesn’t believe in what they’re writing, then why write it?
When I write poetry, or just jot down what I’m feeling, it helps me come closer to myself. Often, when I am in a creative mood, I will start several poems or finish previous endeavors. Sometimes I write when I get angry. At times, I’m just feeling high from something I saw, read, or heard. On occasion, I will just feel inspired.
I can’t always say what I mean when I am writing. Other times, I will simply get lost, and write verses which don’t fit the meaning of my work. These verses tend to bother me. To clear my head of such distractions, I will simply write them down and proceed to dispose of them. I then find it possible to begin again.
I want to spend the rest of my life as a writer. I don’t view writing as a quick way to get rich. I don’t see it as a quick path to fame. Over the last two years, I’ve changed my attitude and my style. I have developed an understanding of where my talents lie and where they do not. I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I want to spend it working with words.
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