It’s been a weird journey for me when it comes to poetry, a strange ride I never intended on hopping on. I have written since I was a wee boy, never really sharing it other than with the people the poetry was written for. Sometimes, I’d share a piece on a little blog for the 15 people that I knew personally followed me, otherwise, it stayed as a release for me and nothing more. Somewhere along the way, I was convinced (and thank goodness I was) to share with broader audiences, to open up the things that felt like therapy and wounds to me, and let people see. I never, ever, intended on so many people seeing, I never felt like anyone would care. I am astounded, to this very day, that anyone anywhere cares about my little words. I am humbled that you seem to, I am honored that you choose to read, choose to follow, choose to say. One thing that popped up numerous times when I’ve actually spent time with all of you in person at book signings, randomly bumping into in distant cities, or even photographing your weddings, is that sometimes some of you find what I do brave, that it’s courageous sharing these personal glimpses into my heart and soul. I’ve never understood this, and perhaps it’s the Autism, perhaps it’s the lack of self-image I seem to deal with, but I have never felt like anyone seeing this from me is vulnerable at all, it seems like the writing of the words is, but the sharing is not. Once these words are outside of me, it’s not up to me what happens to them, where they go. It’s done, I am purged, and I feel better (for a brief minute until I am full again).
Holy heck. This. Is. Absolute. Perfection. This perfectly describes how I feel about your poetry. Reading your poems heals wounds. Reading your poems helps me find a way out of my woods. Your poetry reminds me that there is goodness and hope and beauty in the world. Thank you.
I think that's what people get from your poetry. Along with the honesty we feel what you felt when you put words to paper. You give us a part of you with every poem, that's what we grab onto, hold fast and hold dear. You describe feelings that we feel but don't know how to put in words, you manage to make us acknowledge and embrace them. You may not care but we do.
"I have never felt like anyone seeing this from me is vulnerable at all, it seems like the writing of the words is, but the sharing is not." This makes so much sense to me. I do feel vulnerable whenever I share a piece of writing, but the most vulnerable moments are in the writing process itself. Whether they're considered brave or honest, I appreciate your words so much.
I’ve been inspired by your work for years. I came across chasers of the light when it came out in the Montana bookstore strolling downtown as Carroll College freshman. Since then I’ve carried journals and pens with me everywhere I go. I write to remember, to release the tiding emotions in my mind onto pages meant for being closed and fastened. Thank you for words and inspiration!
Absolutely beautiful words. Thank you 😊
Holy heck. This. Is. Absolute. Perfection. This perfectly describes how I feel about your poetry. Reading your poems heals wounds. Reading your poems helps me find a way out of my woods. Your poetry reminds me that there is goodness and hope and beauty in the world. Thank you.
This is just wonderful! I love your insights into autism. It helps me understand Emi better. Thank you for being honest and open! Xoxo
I see you as brave
You speak all the hidden truths
You give wings to words
I think that's what people get from your poetry. Along with the honesty we feel what you felt when you put words to paper. You give us a part of you with every poem, that's what we grab onto, hold fast and hold dear. You describe feelings that we feel but don't know how to put in words, you manage to make us acknowledge and embrace them. You may not care but we do.
"I have never felt like anyone seeing this from me is vulnerable at all, it seems like the writing of the words is, but the sharing is not." This makes so much sense to me. I do feel vulnerable whenever I share a piece of writing, but the most vulnerable moments are in the writing process itself. Whether they're considered brave or honest, I appreciate your words so much.
Fantastic!
I can relate 100%. Brilliantly said.
I’ve been inspired by your work for years. I came across chasers of the light when it came out in the Montana bookstore strolling downtown as Carroll College freshman. Since then I’ve carried journals and pens with me everywhere I go. I write to remember, to release the tiding emotions in my mind onto pages meant for being closed and fastened. Thank you for words and inspiration!