Essay 4

Readerly, Writerly Me.

     Writing is the process of putting words down on paper, developing an expression in print. Writing can come from the heart, the brain and the soul. It is a gift that some people will never be able to obtain. It is taking the thoughts from your head and planting them down on a sheet of paper. To many, the pen is considered mightier than the sword. Written expression enhances your power and ability for self-expression. One can envision the writer’s feelings through their own perception allowing for creative indulgence.

Why do I write? I write because I want to and I have to. When I want to write, it is usually about an interest or something personal. I let my mind go blank and my heart pulsate the ideas through my veins and out my fingertips. Expression is not thought; it’s exuded from the soul. It is then, that I am not trying to please anyone. I know that I can write anything I want, and not worry about being a disappointment or worrying about a grade. It is my way of expressing my feelings in which cannot be said aloud. Maybe the words are hurtful, shy, or maybe I just cannot find the ways to say them in person. What do the words mean? Only I will know the true meaning, therefore it is up to the reader to try and gain an understanding, Thus being the readers responsibility. I’m the one putting them on paper, mashing them together like cake batter. Therefore it is up to the reader to understand my uncooked cake.

      I may not be much of a writer, but I do write. Writing is a profession, whereas reading is a skill. The reader must obtain the ability to translate the words expressed by a stranger, and incorporate an understanding. Emotions can be encoded and translated by an individual through writing. To be able to express love, hate and passion at its maximum intensity is by far a gift that no one is truly worthy of. If the reader can be captivated and deeply involved in the writer’s vision, at that point the writer is proven worthy of their gift.

A little advice for future writers, life is short. Appreciate everything and everyone you have in your life. Don’t live in the past, instead live in the present and prepare for the future, for everyday is a new day. Make sure you love and cherish everyone you have in your life; you do not know when they will be gone. “I hate to think of the morning, when I will wake up to find you gone” (Collins)

Advice for my reader…Follow the trail of my words and let them guide you to a euphoric state of mind and lose yourself in my thoughts. Let the strength of my words shake the ground underneath you till it splits and let yourself fall into my world. Release your beliefs and believe in me so my words can be your livelihood.

Works Cited:

Billy Collins- The Flight of the Reader (Poem)