The Practice of Poetry

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Most writing advice can be condensed down to three points:
1. There is a powerfully important difference between a quail egg and an egg.
2. Things ask to be poems if you listen carefully.
3. Measures of confidence, stubbornness, doubtfulness and playfulness are essential through out the writing process.

There are yellow snapdragons growing in front of the car in my driveway, and the car has been unused long enough that the blossoms are taller than the bumper. The elements of our day are poems with or without our attention–we just have to notice, and write them down.

Natalie Goldberg has a new handbook on memoir writing called “Old Friend from Far Away.” If you need encouragement or direction, it might work for you. The activities are brief directives to prod writers into exploring. For instance, she says, “Tell me what you thought was ugly. Be detailed. Go. Ten minutes” (23). She has the clipped and energetic feel of a coach hollering at you from the edge of the track.

Some people write better with structure or constraint. Others just need space to breathe and watch.

Just tell me one thing: what kind of egg is in your hand? And where else have I seen that particular shade of quail egg blue?

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