As a writer and poet I experience days, weeks and even seasons when words falter and fail, the flow stalled somehow. When it stutters to a halt it usually indicates that I need to stop, take a break for as long as necessary and just let things happen naturally in their own good time.
There’s no need to panic when you hit a writing hiatus. Thoughts flow more freely when we yield to the need for rest, stretching our our stiff limbs and getting some fresh air if possible. Straining to write rarely yields a good result.
And when we rest, relax, feed our souls with prayer, quiet times with God, our favourite music and good books, we find they tend to stimulate a flow once more. It might appear in small dribs and drabs but one day a stream will issue forth and we will write with words begging to be put down on the page.
If I desire to write poetry then it helps me to begin again if I read some each day. Gradually, the lines I see in everyday, ordinary things will leap out at me. My soul starts to spot a rhythm and cadence that can set me off in the right direction. Once a few words are formed, it isn’t long before a new poem takes shape with ease. Such days are beautiful grace gifts and blessed indeed!
flow like water
these quiet currents
flow like water over stone
rippling through my mind
©joylenton
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy,
Your words are just what I needed to read today. I need to write my post for today, but first I’m going to sit outside before it gets too hot. (I know it’s October but we’re having very warm temps.) Thank you for reminding me that sometimes I need rest or time outdoors in order to find the words again. And most important to spend time in God’s word which I did this morning. It makes for a much better day because my attitude starts off better.
Many blessings to you with love and hugs, dear sister/poet/writer/friend! xoxo
Dear Gayl, how lovely that you can sit outside because it’s so hot for you there! We’re about to have a mini heatwave here over the next few days, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees centigrade. I’m guessing that’s pretty mild for where you live? Thanks to the photos you have shared, I can just picture you on your veranda/porch, drinking in the view, while you also commune with God, sit in stillness, savour the sounds you can hear and jot down an inspired word or two. Enjoy! We will enjoy the fruit of that special time in your day. Blessings and love! xoxo ❤
I sense a contagious peace. Just lovely, Joy. Puts me in mind of the poetry collection title: The Boat of Quiet Hours, by Jane Kenyon.
“A contagious peace” – I love the sound of that. Oh, you know what you’ve done, Laurie? Whet my appetite to read Jane Kenyon’s book, which is now on my Wish List for Christmas. Thank you! 🙂 xo
You’re welcome. She suffered mightily from depression yet gave the world so many beautiful poems. I hope you enjoy them. Here’s one I love:
Briefly It Enters, Briefly It Speaks
I am the blossom pressed in a book,
found again after two hundred years. . . .
I am the maker, the lover, and the keeper. . . .
When the young girl who starves
sits down at a table
she will sit beside me. . . .
I am food on the prisoner’s plate. . . .
I am water rushing to the well-head,
filling the pitcher until it spills. . . .
I am the patient gardener
of the dry and weedy garden. . . .
I am the stone step,
the latch, and the working hinge. . . .
I am the heart contracted by joy. . .
the longest hair, white
before the rest. . . .
I am there in the basket of fruit
presented to the widow. . . .
I am the musk rose opening
unattended, the fern on the boggy summit. . . .
I am the one whose love
overcomes you, already with you
when you think to call my name. . . .
Oh my, I LOVE it too!! Can’t wait to read more of her work. If I don’t receive it as a gift then I’ll just have to treat myself instead! We learn so much from masters of the art, don’t we? Beautiful simplicity with hidden depths. Lovely… Thanks for sharing this gorgeous poem with me. 🙂 ❤
So true! It’s ok to not write when the well is dry. In fact, it’s vital so that the words return again. “Be still and know that I’m God!”
These are wise words, Tara: “It’s ok to not write when the well is dry. In fact, it’s vital so that the words return again”, because it’s all about exercising faith, being still and resting in God, trusting words will appear when they need to. Thank you for your faithful input here, my friend! 🙂 xo
Dear Joy,
I believe that yours is the true poet’s heart. The lines and rhythms flow from within the heart of God, who is the greatest poet of all! Your words today remind me that just as He is our Master Gardener, tending to the vines and leaves of our soul, He is also our Master Poet, tending to the words and thoughts within our mind. What a beautiful Lord we have! He joins together body, soul and spirit, and brings forth such beautiful gifts! Thank you for letting Him speak through your words! Love and Hugs! xoxo
Dear Bettie, how lovely and kind of you to honour God’s work and gifting in me! I aim for a listening heart and ear, a receptive mind in the midst of everything I see and read. God is gracious enough to meet me in my weariness and weakness and pour out His lavish grace, giving thoughts and words far more impact than they would have without His loving touch. I see you waxing lyrical about our Master Poet and it brings a warm glow to my heart and puts a wide smile on my face. I greatly appreciate His gifting in you too! Love and hugs. xoxo ❤
Reblogged this on Pastor Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Advice for poetry, writing, and the spiritual life… thanks, Joy!
Yes, I guess it is! Good observation, Michael. I had somehow thought it was more on the writing process than anything else, although none of that is achievable for me (for most of us, perhaps?) without oodles of grace. Bless you for sharing it too! 😊💜
Joy–this speaks to me today as well. I’ve been feeling tired and a bit dry so I’ve been allowing my body and spirit to take a rest. Blessings!
Nancie, I’m glad you have been encouraged to rest. Dryness signals our depletion, be it creatively, physically or spiritually. Rest well, my friend. 😊💜