“Your favorite poets will have you wanting to write your best pieces.” – dimitrireyespoet.com
Why Have a Poetry Library?
When I think of writers, book lovers, or book lovers who are also writers I think of wall to wall, ceiling to floor bookcases, books in bathrooms, books on tables, books in offices, books in cupboards, books in boxes inside closets, books, books, and more books. Many can tell a person by their book collection the way some can assume things about an individual from their shoes. Personally, I feel like there’s so much beyond the shoes, or the book collection and that’s why my library is pretty small by choice. Recently in my pursuit of my first full collection, there are times where I am missing other books I’ve given away where I’m wishing some of them back as I type! I’m telling you, if you’re a writer, your personal library should be something you think about. Here are 4 reasons Why You Should Have a Poetry Library.
1. Inspiration
Your library should contain your favorite works of poetry. These books should stimulate your creativity and pull you to the page. As mentioned above, your favorite books (and generally, the books you read) also acts as your benchmark that shapes your poetic identity. Each book you read is an experience that is interpreted by you, and whether actively or passively it influences your work the next time you meet yourself at the page. Your favorite poets will have you wanting to write your best pieces
2. Resource
Aside from life experiences, your library should be your go-to learning guide. Every book you read has an overarching theme that helps to facilitate your creative lens. Are you writing a poem about pain but want an ending that feels hopeful? Or maybe you’re thinking about fresh ways to write about love? Chances are, if you have many books in your personal library, you’ll have a poem that can help you study ways in which you can achieve those goals. Additionally, each time you study a book, you have the potential to enjoy it a different way and learn something new each time.
3. Re-search / Re-use
I am loathing the fact that I’m missing a book that was CRUCIAL to one poem that I’ve been toiling over! For a long time, I wanted to keep my library small (partially because moving into an RV that I’d be traveling in, I couldn’t carry so many books!) because It was easier to find books I particularly needed and I felt my succinct collection was a better reflection of me as a writer. But alas, we go through cycles in our writing and what may not be serving us the way we needed before will begin to serve us greatly 8-10 months later. This was the case for this specific book that I’m still basically crying over! The funny thing is— I don’t know who I gave it to, which makes asking to borrow it back that much harder!
This personal rant is to say that books in your library can be used as a study piece when you’re exploring something like a new form, style, tone, or putting your own collection together.Published books serve as models for my work and writers look towards several books when deciding to formulate their own.
4. Reflection
Walt Whitman said, “I contain multitudes” and that should be exemplified in your collection. We are complex beings and our libraries should be a reflection of that complexity as well. I urge you to keep books that are serving you, and in hindsight, you can find a reason for many to do so. You should look at each collection as a tool that brings the most out of you creatively.
Teespring
Patreon
