What have I learned here at Poetry Circle? Well, there's a modern way of writing poetry that I really enjoy. I've learned that it's ok for others to interpret my poetry however they want to once I put it out to the public, because my poem is not me. I'm trying very hard to learn to not over react and after the past couple days I think I might be able to do that. Sometimes breathing deeply in and out and leaving the comp for a bit helps when someone says something to dig at you. I will stop digging back and only laugh or ignore.  It serves no purpose but to upset a lot of people. I'm learning that there are so many view points on here and everywhere and that if you had twenty people discussing one poem, they probably would all see it in a different light, at least to some degree. We all have different taste in poems and that doesn't make one right or wrong....it just makes us human. I've learned how naive I can be at times and that I best put on my thinking cap when I start to write a metaphor. I also realize that for some of us, it is important to write in a more simple way because there are people out there that love those types of poems. For some of us, it's important to write more complicated poems...there is an audience for all types and that neither is better than the other....just different strokes for different folks. I've learned it's hard to write something simple and have someone who does not like that kind of poem to delete just because they don't have patience for something thats not of their taste. Wonder how they would feel if it were reversed? Oh well, I guess we are like a bunch of poeple who live together here...in one huge house with many rooms....we can leave for a while but when we come out of our rooms we have to interact...just like family, we can't always agree or get along, but if we are going to be together we can at least learn to respect other view points and differences. It sounds so simple. I only wish it was! Till another time. I think I am all learned out for one day! lol......

It's fine for anyone to respond....No offense will be taken! Just some of my jumbled thoughts.
Nicole

My third book has been published...a children's Christmas book..I'm excited about that..just hope all the kiddo's enjoy it...I love to make children happy or laugh...giving joy seems to breed joy...too many children in this world that are unhappy for whatever reason...too much sadness...imagine one of those kids laughing at something I wrote...wow! thats a pleasant feeling...how writers can touch lives! that can be in a good way or bad...such influence we can have on others...what a responsibility we have...just hope that some where a child can smile at something in my book...even if just for a moment...a magical moment in a childs life...perhaps a moment that may be kept deep in their heart..to be taken out when needed...used as a shield
against the boogy man in their life...a shield to use like magic...waving their laughing memory like a magic wand...yielding power over the enemy for once..instead of the other way around...sort of like TA DA...got ya!...such musings on my part....I'm creating a fairy tale where none exist....or does it?...the fairy tale would be that a child has power....maybe I can write a book and give life to that...a child having power! the beginnings of a book....perhaps a child's poem book....YES!

signing off for the
night
may all children sleep
tight
not one bed bug
bite
may their world be
bright
everything in it just
right
peaceful till morning's
light

~