Poems

Some thoughts about poetry

I never thought of myself as a poet. Most of my writing involved Chemistry lab reports, scientific papers, and logical essays. Whenever I had to write a poem in school, I was filled with dread. Most of my teachers did not care for my writing and returned my written assignments covered with so much red ink, it looked like a decorated Christmas tree.

Then a few years ago, I took a poetry appreciation class taught by Megan Willhome here in Fredericksburg. I learned that poetry can be appreciated and written by anyone. There are no correct answers to how you feel about a poem or what it makes you think. And even better when you write a poem, you just use words to express a feeling or a moment in time. A poem does not have to rhyme or have a set meter. It just needs to express your feelings, thoughts, and images.

I had just lost my husband to a two-year battle with lung cancer when I took Megan’s class. I started writing poems full of wonderful memories. Some poems were full of the pain I was feeling from my great loss. Writing was a cathartic experience. Once I wrote down my painful memories on paper, I was able to move on to more fulfilling activities.

I am sharing some of my favorite poems on this website. I hope you can appreciate the thoughts and feelings I wish to share.