I, like Jacob, love this poem. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing it.
....and, me, here, wishing it might be so.
The other thought I had is how the individual artist is often tortured by his/her own work. Is it good enough? Is it original? Will it be accepted(worst of all). The work can be a kind of gift which may bring a healing hand to those who admire it. States of mind can seldom be controlled, although in clever hands can often be manipulated, as we often see, not with healing results.
Dr. Rosenthal does not need to suggest to me the use of POETRY as a means of healing, inspiring and bringing joy to your life.
The truth I have learned with my experience with writing poetry is the healing begins within. I created a series of anthologies to raise awareness about the effects of child abuse. Contributors said the writing was sometimes triggering, but mostly cathartic. A few readers came forward to tell me they were able to start writing their story which started the healing process for them. This experience is when I first became aware of the healing power of poetry.
"Forgiveness which is the medicine we need to heal." That is a profound statement David. I agree 100%. I too believe in the power of words. I suppose we all do or we wouldn't convene here. Thank you for sharing your heart. It is sometimes difficult to convey tone and intention through writing which can lead a conversation down a dark path or even over the edge of a cliff. It's beautiful when it stays in the light and can be fleshed out to provide a positive outcome for all who come to the well thirsty for a drink of life.
Dear Vautaw, I have read with great interest your exchanges here and some truths emerging, as it should be in an open and honest debate. One thing that becomes fairly clear to me: your implication is that actually the suffering soul is healing others by his revelations. The wonder of poetry is that of sharing similar trigger experiences I feel, voicing one's own perspectives as they resonate. Interestingly potential must be different for everyone and the encouragement of it should be a major aim in society. Sadly much is lost through competition gaining the lion's share of It, and lack of opportunity. It takes dedication to develop it.
I have heard of healing poetry workshops, I very much believe in the healing power of words. More so the healing power of their collective stories, shared experiences, those things shared by others which make us feel not quite so alone. The moment we hear a story or someone share a feeling we thought (ridiculously) only we had is a great feeling of not being alone.
I also enjoy poetry and subjects which take us into conversations from which we can take something positive. Recently I allowed myself to converse in a way which resulted in horrible negativity, for myself and others involved, I said things I believe to be right but which might have been better unspoken, I felt the need to defend myself and others and think that I may have been hugely misunderstood. After such events I try and rationalise my actions and those of others attempting to see their point of veiw, often this works for me and I can find some peace and forgive myself and them. I hope they can do the same but I have doubts about that which saddens me greatly.
I suppose the subject of healing got me thinking of that, together with some kind of forgiveness which is the medicine we need to heal.
Thanks for engaging in this conversation, it actually is quite meaningful and helpful in some way.
I am not suggesting the ability to heal/help is not a gift or a developed skill (I am not referring to miracles here, I do not believe in such things) rather human abilities such as empathy and caring and technical accomplishment, if you are thinking of physical repair to the human anatomy or psyche.
I am saying the label given to such a person is the burden and should be considered by anyone prior to speaking it out loud to the bearer of those talents. Such responsibility is a difficult one to carry I should imagine.
Whether or not people are morally obligated to share their talents, I could not speak for all. I believe that is a personal choice. You certainly could not compel an individual to do such a thing, for therein would lie the burden I am speaking of.
I certainly wasn't advocating the withdrawral/absence of those with skills who attend the sick and broken in our society, who would advocate that?
As far as poets being healers? I doubt anyone ever started to write with the primary aim of becoming a healer, although it seems clear that words can initiate the healing process for many.
Maybe that "voice" is different for each of us, and thankfully so. The world would be a much darker place without doctors, psychiatrists, and other healers.
Hello Vautaw, I enjoyed this..and it gave me these thoughts.
Maybe if such a poet was granted a snapshot of your vision of him it might rob him of his potential, or his desire to communicate. In fact it seems from your words that he is fulfilling some potential already.
Thinking about potential can be daunting, like contemplating the vast emptiness of a huge journey it might prevent the first step.
The responsibility and expectation of being considered a healer is not a gift, it's a burden best ignored.
When I listen to you beautifully read audio I feel shivers down my spine.
You 'spoke' to all of us - but it is intimate for each of us.
I am not sure if that sentence says what i am trying to say but I know that you will understand what I mean.
Thank you Victoria, "A tormented soul with so much passion." I was never short of passion. Love it.
So much said in so few words. Love this one.
Oh gosh I adore this.