So, October eighth is national poetry day. And since I consider myself a poet, I figured I should write something.

Everyone knows that poetry is art. And in art, there are no rules. Yet, surprisingly some would argue that if your poem doesn’t rhyme, or have clearly defined stanzas, it’s not a “real” poem.

Poetry is considered a fringe art form. But even a fringe art form is just that, an art form. And art is about expression, creativity, freedom; it doesn’t conform to a set of rules, it doesn’t fit into a box. Art is rebellious, and always evolving.

And that’s why I love it, in poetry you don’t have to speak in what would be referred to as, layman’s terms, you can speak in metaphors if you so choose. You can express any emotions you want, be it anger, love, happiness, loss, or even confusion.

With poetry, your words are telling a story. Your heart, is telling it’s story. Sometimes it comes easily, it will just glide out of your pen onto the paper. Other times, you sit and struggle to finish just one line. It all comes down to what you are trying to say. Poetry is a great healing tool, gives your pain somewhere to go. A constructive space, instead of a destructive place. And that’s beautiful.

With that said, I’ve got a short poem here for you. It’s an old one. Without a title…but. Yeah.

Darkness falls around here again, the night sky blanketed in a deep violet colour. There are images that race through your brain, cut and spliced into tangled messes. Pages of untold words lay scattered around the floor, begging to be shared. There are no more tears, not anymore. Funny, how something so dark can feel so safe..

You walked in the door and picked up a small silver necklace, the only thing you knew she had left. You need to find her, but how can you? It’s been years since you’ve even heard someone speak her name. You write her still, I know. Sending neat little letters into the great unknown, hoping at least one will find her.

But you won’t. I know you won’t even get close. How do I know?

I am her. But…I’m not her anymore. I am someone new now. I no longer answer to the names you gave me.