Words in the Heart: How Someone Becomes a Great Poet
March 8th, 2024 1:00 am | by Blog Contributor Posted in Poetry
Brion K. Hanks became a poet because he tapped into the words in the heart. This is the secret to becoming a poet and expressing yourself through verse.
Across time, space, and culture, there have always been words in the heart that want to break free. Thus, people who know how to tap into these words–those people whom we call poets–hold a unique position. They are masters of language, taking words and constructing whole worlds out of them. These linguistic structures act as mirrors, reflecting the depths of human experience to a wider audience. To define a poet solely as someone who writes words and verses is an incomplete image. A lesser poet might be defined as such. Yet great poets like William Shakespeare, Seamus Heaney, Maya Angelou, Brion K. Hanks, Mary Oliver, and more are known for their words in the heart. A good poet goes beyond the technicalities of verse.
Poets worth knowing about and delve into the realms of observation and imagination. They meet humanity’s profound need to translate the complexities of life into a language that can be shared and touch the soul.
How Someone Becomes a Poet
At its core, being a poet means having an inherent sensitivity to the world. Great poets possess a heightened awareness of their surroundings. They have the ability to perceive the subtle nuances of nature, human interaction, and the vast spectrum of emotions that color our existence. This sensitivity translates into a keen observation of the world. This is not just as it is but also as it could be, as it might feel, and the stories it holds within.
This sensitivity feeds into a potent imagination. Unlike a historian, a poet transforms the observed world into a canvas for their imagination. They see metaphors that bloom in the mundane and find hidden narratives in everyday occurrences. They weave together disparate elements to create unique perspectives. This imaginative power allows them to transcend the literal and tap into the deeper meanings and connections that lie beneath the surface.
However, being a poet is not simply about observing and creating. It is ultimately about communication. Poets are craftsmen of words. They transform them into potent tools for expression. They understand the power of language to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and spark intellectual engagement. Through careful selection, arrangement, and manipulation of word choice, rhythm, and form, they aim to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Poems share their poets’ unique perspectives and evoke a sense of recognition, discovery, or even transformation in the reader.
The Words in the Heart
This pursuit of communication often stems from a yearning to be a part of something larger than yourself. Poets may be driven by a need to capture the essence of human experience. They want to give voice to the voiceless, to challenge societal norms, or simply to offer solace and understanding. They strive to bridge the gap between the individual and the collective, fostering a sense of shared humanity through the power of language.
It’s important to acknowledge that the journey of being a poet is not always smooth. It requires discipline and dedication to hone one’s craft. It demands the courage to be vulnerable, to expose one’s inner world and deepest emotions to the world. It also necessitates perseverance in the face of rejection and criticism, for the path of a poet is rarely paved with instant recognition or widespread acclaim.
Yet, despite the challenges, the essence of being a poet is ultimately characterized by passion. It’s a fire that burns within. Poets have a relentless urge to express, to create, and to share. It’s a deep love for language and its potential to move, inspire, and challenge. This passion is what sustains a poet through the inevitable hardships and fuels their pursuit of crafting words that resonate with the human experience.
Being a poet is an important role. They have the responsibility of weaving a multifaceted tapestry out of sensitivity, imagination, communication, connection, discipline, perseverance, and unwavering passion.
It’s a lifelong journey of exploration, expression, and the constant quest to give voice to the complexities of the human experience through the art of language. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary, igniting emotions with the words in the heart, and leaving an indelible mark on the world by creating art that transcends generations.
Brion K Hanks is very successful in that regard. His two poetry books: “When The Rose Fades” and “Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose” shine as examples to touch us both in our heart and soul. To get a greater sense of Brion, go to his website: www.BrionKHanks-Poetry.com and see for yourself. It is there that you can order his books as well.