I Used to Write Poems

It’s true.

It happened a lot in high school.  Mostly sappy ramblings, that were pining away for whoever my blue-eyed-muse-of-the-moment from the senior class happened to be.  They were elementary at best.  Full of sugary abstractions and horrific rhyme schemes. I kept them in in a black spiral notebook (long before Moleskines were cool) which usually stayed in my car, sandwiched  between the passenger seat and the emergency brake.  Confession:  My over romanticized seventeen-year-old heart was always hoping for this scenario to unfold…

Random Beautiful Girl: Tripp, what’s this mysterious black notebook next to my seat?
Me: Um, well, it’s nothing really.  I.. uh.  Like to write sometimes…
RBG: You write poems?!
Me: Sometimes
RBG: Wow, that’s so cool/enigmatic/attractive/sophisticated/alluring!  Can I read them?
Me: Sure, I mean if you want to.  (Secret fist pump)
RBG: Ooooh these are incredible!
Me: Gosh.. do you think so?
RBG: Yes. I’m also in love with you.

Mission accomplished.

Fortunately, today is a much different day.  I no longer yearn for such ridiculous scenarios, and I have a much different relationship with poetry.  I continued to write off and on through college and even took a workshop class as part of my major when I was a junior.  My writing slightly matured, and by the end of the class I even had a slight grasp on the elements that make a poem arresting, powerful, and memorable.  Yet, I could never graft the practice of consistent writing into my life.  I certainly flirted with it–most notably during sunsets, lonely car rides, and other stereotypical emo moments–but I could never commit.  Insert commentary on my lack of discipline here.

Writing is such a great avenue for expression and reflection.  Whether we hoard thousands of journals that no one will ever see, or end up with a bestseller, the ability that we have to turn our thoughts and feelings into words is special and unique.  I just wish I could bring myself to do it more often.

I guess that’s part of what this blog is about.  Attempting to move back into that place where words can provoke, thought and emotion.  No performance necessary.  Just sharing.

Maybe one day I’ll walk you through my poetic evolution.  It’s hysterical.

• Morningmusic –> La Mar (The Ocean) – The Beautiful Girls  (Compliments of the Josh Radin Pandora station)

• Life is Different Today Because –> Mike Cordingly was born 24 years ago.  Happy Birthday big guy.  Remember when you drank that poisonous cocktail concoction that was thrust into your hand by Krissy Schnebel at 12:02 am on your 21st? I bet you don’t…  Have a great day man, you deserve it