“That’s not what I meant!” I sigh as I go through the comment section. The mixed responses make me wonder how it’s possible for people to misunderstand a poem.
Outside the rain conjures a sweet pattern along the rustic pavement. I watch as the droplets fall from a confident sky and wonder if words I write convey emotion properly.
It is then that I recall the wisdom of a much loved and dear friend. Poetry is like art. Everybody has their own interpretation and that’s all right.
I tend to write a lot of love poems. It’s what I do. But a very few people know that my poems are actually based on my life! Each poem recounts a different story from a different time and era.
For example, October: When Poets Dream, Lament and Sing speaks of the time when I was besotted by a man who loved nobody but himself. Of course, I had no idea at the time. The poem speaks about pain and invisible scars.
Do I like it when people misinterpret a poem? To be honest, not a bit! But then, even I have misunderstood other people’s work from time to time.
But oh, when a poem strikes a chord! Now that is the most beautiful feeling in the entire world. A few months ago I wrote a confessional poem that resonated with every person who read and commented on it.
Twenty-three hit me like a hammer/ drove me over the edge/I slept with danger and flirted with the idea of death. Dark Origin is one of the most personal poems I have ever written.
I am going to be very honest. I was terrified! The moment I hit the publish button I thought to myself. “What have I done?” But when the responses started coming in, I felt relieved! I was happy that I shared the most intimate part of my life with people whom I wrote poetry alongside with.
I use to become annoyed when a poem was misunderstood. But no more. When has the moon ever complained for being both light and dark?
Photo credits: Pinterest
Posted for Moonlight Musings: The Interactive Edition @ Poets United
Indeed, the moon knows best. And like you say, she will never apologize for what she is. I am so glad that you no longer lose sleep over what someone might see in your words (when you didn’t put it there). People read with heart and soul and experience (and like our Rosemary shared on her contribution for this prompt) sometimes they don’t really read, so end up missing the bones of the thing.
Thank goodness for the readings that feed our muse!
Yay! ❤️ Thank you so much, Magaly 😀 so glad the article resonated with you! ❤️
(and thank you for the glorious prompt) 🌹
I know for me those moments of connection make up for the confusion I feel when people misinterpret the point. LOL, and I’ve learned to find the latter funny when I can, so it’s a win-win! Shine on Sanaa, and don’t worry if people see shadows in the moonbeams. Any shadows they see are a reflection of themselves, not you.
Most definitely 😀 thanks for stopping by, Rommy ❤️
I am one who always thought your work was autobiographical. I’m glad your links in this piece led me to reread two wonderful pieces. (Sad, yes, but sad can be beautiful, and in your hands is.)
I think you are wise to understand that our art will inevitably be interpreted in a variety of ways by a variety of readers. I guess all we can do is put it out there to the best of our ability. As indeed you always do.
Awww gosh! ❤️ Thank you so much, Rosemary 😀 for your kind and loving words! ❤️
I just re-read Dark Origin, and admired it all over again. Bravo! Yes, it is gratifying when a poem strikes a chord. I love the sharing of poetry online. Before online, not many of my poems were read. I was writing in a vacuum. I am always grateful when someone reads and leaves a comment.
Thank you so much, Sherry 😀 so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
I’m with Rosemary – I also always thought your poems were autobiographical and that you’re charmingly romantic.
Awww gosh! ❤️ Thank you so much, Kim 😀 for your kind and loving words! ❤️
When has the moon ever complained
for being both light and dark?
Classic way of putting it Sanaa! Yes, creativity is an expression but well thought out indirectly to make it personal to the poet. It certainly has to be different from others despite covering the same subject.
Hank
Thank you so much, Hank 😀 so glad the article resonated with you ❤️
This is sweet, Sanaa! I’ve found that it’s when you share your vulnerability that people applaud your writing the most. Like, when I speak of my anxiety or fear. I love seeing your soul in your writing. It’s a beautiful one.♥️
Awwww gosh! ❤️ Thank you so much, Vivian 😀 for your kind and loving words! ❤️
In actuality I did not realize that your love poetry is, for the most part, autobiographical. Why? Because you write so many of them I did not think it would be possible to say so much about one’s loving relationships. Sometimes your romantic writings seem more dreamlike to me, if I am honest. But that poem “Twenty Three” seemed very VERY real to me; and yes the very visible vulnerability and honesty struck me as well, as I had written when I had first read it. it definitely is one of your best.
Thank you so much, Mary 😀 so glad you liked it ❤️
At least some of the love poems you write would have to be true. The emotions come through like a torn piece of paper. If someone misinterprets a poem, they have still taken something away with them, even if it’s not what you intended.
Write on, Sanaa, you are a shining star.
Awwww gosh! ❤️ Thank you so much, Sara 😀 for your kind and loving words! ❤️