The Pleasure Principle

William Carlos Williams said, 'If it ain't a pleasure, it ain't a poem.'

Last Sunday, during the Oscar broadcast, the talented Idina Menzel performed the Oscar-winning song, 'Let It Go'.  She appeared nervous and her voice screeched, making the performance almost unbearable.  The following night, she sang here with Jimmy Fallon accompanied by children's musical instruments and she soared; smiling and laughing through the song, clearly enjoying herself.

If it ain't a pleasure, it ain't a poem. Or a song. Or a painting.

I don't believe in bleeding as an artist.  It's messy and makes the keyboard stick.  When I sit down to write a poem it is usually caused by a spark; a turn of phrase, a word, or the way the light hit the side of a building. I approach a poem like a crossword puzzle; a game to be bested by finding the right words, line breaks and images to bring the poem to life for the reader.

Mostly, I have a little fun with language.

I'm not particularly prolific as a poet. I try to write a poem weekly (right there, that sounds like a chore), though lately I haven't been inspired by much. It is easier to let go of the guilt of not writing when you write for pleasure.

Don't be fooled by that last statement. I consider myself a serious poet. I submit work regularly and I've had many poems published. I revise and edit. I put together manuscripts for competitions. Last week, I applied for an MFA program (there, I said it).  I just think you should experience joy when you write.

If it's so much labor, so much pain and head-banging to get a poem onto paper, then why not just dig ditches?