Wow... My English teacher marked my poetry work today. Why this is amazing is because I've never had a serious critique of my work before. Sure, I've tried to get someone to take the time to look at my work, but no one has ever done so seriously. So, when she gave me back my booklet that I had given her, I was surprised that there were bookmarks in it, and even more surprised when she said she wanted to talk about it.

I've given my work to other teachers over the years, but the best remark I've ever gotten is "oh, it's good." And when I say best, let me clarify that I don't give people my work to be flattered. I want real, honest opinion and criticism. Truthfully, I don't read much poetry, nor have I ever studied the craft. I write what I feel/think, and I don't try to model it after anyone else's work. So, I'm pretty clueless over what good and bad poetry is.

Thanks to Mrs. E for giving me the lowdown today. Finally, I think I have a clue of what direction I'm going in. Honest criticism is better than praise simply for the sake of shutting you up, any day.

I know that I'm a rather good writer- I can compare my work with others (prose mainly, not poetry), see how it compares and see my own style and voice at the same time. However, I don't like all the roadblocks that have been placed in front of me and my becoming a professional writer. I would say hope, but I am a writer and I write not for any real reason other than a love of doing so and a need to do so as well. What I'm trying to say is that I'm a writer despite the work of many people to persuade me not to do so, and the apathy of many others.

I fail to see these people's reasoning as to why writing is such a meager and craven profession. The best way I can imagine doing my part towards helping people, healing the Earth and satisfying my own desires is to do what I do best- write, share ideas with others, and basically live a life of constant learning and teaching. That's just who I am.

Anyways, enough of that, I'm tried and need to catch some Z's.

Shayn