A Puzzling Picture

Fear and uncertainty about the ability to pursue personal goals

This poem reflects on my journey as a mature woman, grappling with self-doubt about my poetic gift. Despite feeling hesitant to share my work, I find fulfilment in poetry. In my poem, I express my unique perspective and the therapeutic nature of my craft, ultimately finding purpose in my artistic expression.

I started writing poetry in 2011 while travelling around Australia in a motorhome. I wrote this poem while in Western Australia, reflecting on my struggle to accept the gift I had of writing poetry. Back then, I thought it was an interesting but frivolous gift. What good could become of it? when I told people I write poetry, they would look at me strangely. Why couldn’t I have the gift of writing stories or painting? Despite how I felt about my gift, it kept pouring out of me. I didn’t share my poetry with anyone outside of close family members. I was too shy and sensitive to potential criticism.

At that time, as a mature-aged woman, I had no higher education past high school. I had been a full-time mother for over a decade with limited work experience outside of motherhood. My two daughters were now adults living independently. I was at a turning point in my life.

Who was I now without children at home? What was my profession? Who was I as a poet? Was poetry just a hobby for me or would it become something more than just a pastime? I had no idea. I had no plan for it because I knew nothing about what to do with my poetry other than letting it pour out of me onto paper. I had no idea how fulfilling sharing my poetry would become for me. This poem is the first of three poems I wrote when I started thinking about sharing my poetry with the world. Beverley Joy

Listen HERE – Poem – A Puzzling Picture

I look at a picture of me on the wall

And ask “Who is a failure in the eyes of the world?

I have not achieved financial success

Uni degrees or personal finesse.

I observe life differently

I keep to myself, sitting quietly

Thinking, contemplating, observing

Recording my findings in poetry writing.

A preoccupation considered by many

As “off with the fairies” silly and lazy

The strange hobby of writing