Exploring the Depths of BARE: Uncensored Poetry Project
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Chapter 1: The Dance of Time
Time seems to freeze…
Hands sway rhythmically
As the cow leaps over the moon.
Inhale deeply,
hold, hold, hold
Let it go.
Bounce, bounce, bounce,
Each minute endlessly circles back.
Frantic movements all around
As workers labor, often unnoticed.
The cat in the cradle
Spoiled and cherished
Purrs softly.
Somewhere, it’s perpetually night.
Where the minute hand bounces
And loops back.
Endlessly.
Red lights blink, void of enchantment,
Bodies reeking of cheap perfume
Dressed in tattered clothes
Perform the dance of survival.
The silver spoon escaped with the Moon
And time paused.
Someone grins, someone chuckles,
Children weave dreams filled with hope,
Stitch by stitch, they edge
Toward a premature end.
Unaware rulers, dancing royals
Reside in the repeating minute.
Lazily indifferent to
Little boy blue and
Buttercup
Thus, they feast and slumber
Rinse and repeat.
Section 1.1: Understanding BARE: Uncensored Poetry
In February 2024, I embarked on a journey of writing and publishing a poem each day alongside Tupelo Press, a non-profit publisher based in the United States. The twist? Each piece had to be an unrefined first draft.
By pulling back the veil on the poetic process, barriers were dismantled, revealing the iterative essence of creation. By sharing drafts that are, at most, rough sketches of what the final version could be, both readers and writers are encouraged to embrace the creative journey.
Subsection 1.1.1: Personal Transformation Through Writing
Once I overcame my initial overwhelming perfectionist anxieties, I felt liberated. I ceased the habit of comparing myself to others, making it significantly easier to tackle the daunting blank screen each day.
Breaking the writing tasks into manageable Pomodoro intervals facilitated the writing process. Upon completing each Pomodoro session, I promptly sent my work to meet the daily deadline.
Establishing a focused routine has enabled me to break free from the cycle of comparison. Instead, I consistently inspire myself to deepen my connection with my words, ideas, and evolving creative practice.
As February progressed, I successfully broke the habit of mindlessly scrolling through emails and social media. Now, nearing May, I have fortified my writing and creativity practices.
The clarity of an unburdened mind has been a remarkable experience.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Community Feedback
A week into the project, a friend remarked that he enjoyed all the poems, despite some spelling and coherence issues. He expressed that poetry had seemed unattainable, but now he believed it was within his reach.
February 2024 is now a few months behind us.
I completed the 30/30 challenge and rejuvenated my daily writing practice.
Thank you for engaging with my work by taking the time to read my words.
If you wish to continue following my journey, I invite you to stay connected. May the rest of your day or night be filled with laughter, reflective joy, and profound personal fulfillment.
With love,
Naomi x