Root Words Writing Workshop: Courage

This morning, August 8, Ruby (little doggy muse) and I attended one of Poetess Nat's Root Words writer's workshops.

Natalie hosts open mic nights and writers workshops for the community, encouraging others to free their voice.

I am beyond grateful for her time, energy and sacrifices she makes to uplift others by creating positive community events.

Natalie told us today, "connect to the place you're writing from.. connect to your heart"

She organized a thoughtful workshop, involving multiple individual writing sessions revolving around root words provided and one poem the group listened to at the beginning of the workshop together, called "Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas.

The word I learned and felt most connected to today was pugnare, which is Latin for "to fight"; with courage being the theme of the workshop, I feel like the workshop brought out something I've held in, something that's attempted to hold me back.

But, I choose to fight.

Pugnare.

Below is the poem I wrote during this session, called "From: Me".

From: Me

It's been too long

Your intentions, wrong

My talents, bright

You wanted to dim my light

And for me to doubt myself, hurt

But I'm coming out of the dark

I want my creative soul to be free

My art to be seen,

Words to be heard

While wearing God's armor

As I shed light on His Word

Your letter to me, let it burn

My song to you,

Mute

Because I'd never stoop

To your level

Through other's pain, you revel

Sincerely, I wish you well

"Love thy neighbor as thyself"

~ Carly Reed

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