A poem often engages us with a new comparison, an uncommon viewpoint, an unusual image, or a rhythmic thought that beckons us (poetry writers and readers) to investigate more thoroughly. This can be a moving force for other types of writing, too, or effectively assist you as you revise.
For instance, as you look over a first
draft, ask yourself:
- Does this poem contain something I’ve never heard before nor seen written somewhere else?
- Will the poem evoke an interesting thought or picture in the reader’s mind?
- Does anything make this poem stand out?
- What’s new?
If you don't see any of those outstanding qualities, just give your poem more time. Then, you might not have a big revelation but, more likely, will see something as light as a new twist on a cliché or as small as a
needle’s eye – both of which came to me as my Bible study group discussed Matthew19: 24. (That link will take you to many translations of the verse as found by researching on Bible Gateway.)
Entering the Eye of the Needle
In the middle of a haystack, strewn
not with straw but distractions
of health, wealth, and power,
lies the tiny eye of the
need.
How can a non-seeker see?
A pin-prick locates the point
of discomfort, piercing
the soul – the threaded
needle knotting our
neediness to
God.
by Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2020-2014
The above poem appeared in the book of Bible-based poems, Outside Eden, published in 2014 by Kelsay Books then in A Gathering of Poems, ©2020
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