A Poem In Response To People Who Ask Why I Always Write Sad Poetry

I used to portray my pain through freed blood

and by silently screaming about all the hurt inside of me.

But then I discovered poetry

and I learned to transfer my pain onto paper -

I learned how to scream out loud rather than inside my head.

There is something therapeutic about releasing all the hurt from my mind

and inking it onto paper-

I can find light in the darkest pieces of poetry

because I came through on the other side;

I was able to get into the state of mind to write about my struggles,

instead of locking them up in the farthest corner of my mind.

I would rather write about how I dug myself a 6ft grave,

so I can also write about how I clawed myself out -

I would rather write about the truth

and it just so happens that sad poetry is the truth

and I got tired of hiding it,

I got tired of enclosing all of my secrets

because I realized that other people have the same secrets too

and I would like to be the voice that reminds those people

that even when it feels like the world is closing in around them,

they are a long way off from the end

and sometimes all they need is a piece of poetry

that describes exactly how they feel,

a piece of poetry that shows you that they are not alone.

So I write sad poems not only to help myself

but to help everyone else as well.

Reviews

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

I hold your words here, close to my heart. Never justify why you write to those who sit on the sidelines. Your art is an expression of what lies within. Always follow your heart and let your pen translate the journey. I also write from a tortured space... it's just as sincere as someone else's happy place. Wherever you pen takes you... write it! Whether it be light or dark, it's all our art.

[wordman]

you just need a good looking young man to change your life
sweep you off your feet and yes I liked the poem

[Laura Harrison]

I'm engaged actually, and as the poem says I writ about my past, not my present. I'm glad you liked the poem :)

[wordman]

you are welcome cong,and happy new year

[Vidya Bacchus]

You have such an awesome ability to write honestly and to the point.Well done Laura and Happy New Year:)

[Rose of many colours]

I love your attitude and mentality.This is percentage of our own behavior of how we express our selves, some do so in other talents they master. Unknowingly most of us do not recognize this aspect of our lives, as we grow and developed our borders are enlarged if we allow it to.

[Lyn Anderson]

A great response. I too tire of the psychoanalysis of my writing at times. The truth is, it is easy and helpful to spill pain out, and the happiest stuff sometimes just doesn't translate to poetry, at least for me. So while it might look from the outside that you are always sad, the truth is that is just your writing. I have put some wretched stuff down on paper, a huge grin on my face. Kind of like how I wake up from a nightmare thinking "that was an awesome idea!"

[MsJewel]

Writing can be very theraputic. It's wonderful that you found a way to express yourself that may help others. Keep writing my friend. This poet will keep reading.

:) Julie

[child of God]

I love this poam I agree with you and can relate to this poam

[Frieda P]

Nothing wrong with 'sad' poetry, I find myself to relating in some instances, makes one feel not so all alone in their plight sometimes. The pen can prove cathartic in so many ways, doesn't always have to end on a happy note. Pen on...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I totally support your stand on this but perhaps a way of moving further on, while still using the cathartic qualities of writing, is to write something neutral or something hopeful, loving etc? Really glad you found writing instead of self harm.

[Laura Harrison]

I see what you mean, and while this poem says that I tend to write sad poems more than happy ones, I do like to add a hint of happiness at the end as well. Thank you for your review :)