The week began with an unexpected grin, thanks to the notification from the WordPress folks that one of my recent posts about writing and editing was chosen as a “Freshly Pressed” feature. An altogether fabulous surprise and one that’s drawn in a few new friends. If you’re new here, welcome! I regularly post about my adventures in authorship and lately I’ve been showcasing news about the life of a writer in promo mode…speaking at events, book clubs, workshops. Thanks so much for riding along with me. I value your visits and comments, your camaraderie.
So let’s get to it!
The talented Elizabeth Wickham mentioned in a comment last week that she’d love to see the poem I recited at the “Poetry in the Park” event. Thanks for the nudge, Elizabeth!
But first? The backstory…and it’s a good one. The poem I read was pulled from my very own archives–an example of writing for wellness.
Writing to get the ‘inside’ out is a premise I believe in and I’m not alone. One of the most impactful advocates is Dr. James Pennebaker, the author of “Opening Up by Writing it Down”. I’ve written glowingly about his book several times and I could not tell this story without invoking him.
Here’s why.
Many years ago, I worked with a student who was entirely lovelorn. His miseries were mighty after a tumultuous breakup. I knew of his abundant love of literature and Shakespeare, so when little else helped, I suggested he write his way through the disappointment. Journaling? Hard no, he said. Maybe Shakespeare-style, I offered? Let’s just say he laughed for the first time in a long time when I made the suggestion, giving me a toothsome, “Who, me?” look in reply.
I pressed. “How about if I give it a go?”
“What? You’re gonna write a poem about my lovelife?” he said with sass, trying (but failing) to hide his grin.
“Yah. I think I can. I’ve got an idea. Just for giggles. You’ll see. Writing helps.”
The next time we met I was ready. I wrote “Read it and Weep” using some of the tidbits he’d shared, adding a few of my own here and there for dramatic flair. Flourish can be fun.
Did he love it? Yes he did. He chortled and grunted. Told me he’d never write anything so fussy and flowery–Shakespeare fan or not.
You know what happened next, right?
He took the bait and wrote his own version, and it was terrific. Cathartic. Did it mend his broken heart? No, of course not, no. But perspective was gained and sometimes that’s all we can hope for. Finding fresh footing, one way or another. Perhaps inspired by cheeky poetry.
And now…the poem I wrote for him:
Read it and Weep
You turned me upside down and outside in
With half-truth tales and blatant lies.
We played the game, the one you always win
By stealing heart-filled passions, love-spun sighs.
Women aren’t as women seem to be.
We’re told they’re filled with sweetness, good and light,
Yet deep within they’re stuffed with strategies
And plots on how to find a “Mr. Right”.
Binoculars in hand, they scan the street,
Searching for a bloke to play their game.
A naïve soul – one tempted by their treats –
Then caught! Then Used! Then shafted with all blame.
My heart I have reclaimed (you kept my pride).
With time I shall forget this love denied.
© Vicki Atkinson
A few pics from the Poetry in the Park event:
The next evening took me to the lovely Carol Stream Public Library for one of my favorite workshops–Navigating Elder Care with Grace and Humor.
Writing about my mom, Sue’s complicated life and the compounding chaos of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in “Surviving Sue” inspired me to share what I’ve learned. Caregiving is an enormous task and the likelihood that we might need extra self-care boosts–doses of humor, humility and fellowship? A certainty! That’s what I love most about this program. Swapping tips and stories about lessons hard won…focusing on local resources…with reminders to make time for oneself.
In just a few weeks I’ll have the honor of conducting another favorite session, “Writing for Wellness”. Again and again, I’m reminded of how essential libraries are in our lives–across the lifespan, young to old. Libraries build and support communities of care and I see it in action. A vibrancy and purpose. So good!
Here are a few pics from the Carol Stream event.
Last but not least, thank you so much to those who continue to read both “Surviving Sue” and my novel, “Slivers”. The feedback from readers means the world to me…reminding me of my purpose. These days, best defined in three words:
Laugh, Love, Write
Not necessarily in that order but you get the idea.
All my best!
Vicki 💝
Lagniappe? A little more? I’m super pleased by the book club interest in “Slivers”. Discussion question ideas are posted here. My next post? More fun and fabulous reviews!
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Victoria Ponders 
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