THIS LINE
This line will be my making, as all my past lines were
Mind work and awakening, when words in poetry purr
This line, this verbal expression; word-sound, together, intact
Found in quiet creation, clothe my soul in the act
This line, a fragile fabric, worn like a jumper but thin
Naming with kindly magic, nameless feelings within
Dressing the dream I’d die for, thread in a woven veil
Lacing the life I longed for, darned by a holy grail
This line, my voice exploration, sounding out text for size
Feeling bespoke alteration, changing the look in my eyes
This line, my vocal invention, cloak of invisible seams
This suit I made to feel great in, resouled my old blue jeans
This line will be my making, as all my past lines were
Mind work and awakening, when words in poetry purr
Tim Coburn
July, 2022
Copyright © Tim Coburn
All Rights Reserved
THIS LINE
Notes
I’ve been fascinated by the idea that the words we use create the way we are both heard and seen. Repeated and re-used often enough, these words become part of the identity we are known by. This Line aims to capture that idea with specific reference to the way lines of poetry influence the perceived identity of the poet. The poem aims to make a distinction between the words themselves and the thing they describe… In this respect, language is like clothing, an outer layer that swathes the speaker or poet in vestments that may or may not accurately describe who they truly are.
FIND YOUR VOICE
Writing a poem is an adventure into new territory. Poetic form has a different phraseology to conversational prose – it changes the boundaries of how we usually speak. For expressive clarity, poetry uses more imagery, metaphor and story. Words and meaning are more deliberately considered. As well as making sense in written words, poetry conveys its meaning in sound and how it makes us feel. To make a poem work, our vocabulary is stretched, our word hoard expanded and our vocal identity enriched.
The development of vocal identity extends to every aspect of your life – your voice is the medium by which you get things done. With communication and conversational skills so central to who we are as human beings, I have always been interested in the effect writing poetry has on the clarity, confidence and effectiveness with which we talk. I addition to sharing poetry and my reflections on it, I offer short talk and workshops for leaders, team members and technical specialists who want to improve the quality and impact of their voice.
If this appeals to you, please get in touch.
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