Okay, so I'm currently at 120 poems. That means in the last 25 days I've written 26 poems.
I certainly have missed a few days, but then I'll have spurts of inspiration and write about four poems at a time.
I'm finding that when being forced to write daily or on a regular basis I'm finding more and more ways to express myself poetically. I'm having to stretch myself instead of staying in my comfort zone. For example, I've started writing "aphorisms". I've never written one nor even knew what an "aphorism" was. To help me along I've been reading "The World in a Phrase" by James Geary. An excellent little book on the history and craft of the aphorisms.
Here's a brief description of what an Aphorism is:
An aphorism is a statement that is really quotable, it makes a profound point in a simple, easily remembered way.
For instance, Benjamin Franklin said "Lost time is never found again." It's a simple way to state that time is fleeting and should not be wasted.
Aphorisms are important as they succinctly state what are often complex philosophical ideas in a way that makes those ideas accessible to most people. Their ease of recall also increases their impact (it's hard to say something is important if you can't remember what it is).
An aphorism, however, should not be confused with a cliche. Aphorisms express a unique idea, a cliche expresses an idea so old and run down no one cares about it anymore (the grass is always greener...) Sometimes an aphorism can become a cliche if it is used too often by too many people, but a cliche can never become an aphorism. (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090816173336AA9oEFb)
This is a great description from the commentor Gregor Samsa on Yahoo! Answers. The aphorism is not meant to argue or persuade. Its purpose is to declare, to assert nakedly. It is a thought provoking discussion starter. The justifications and qualifications are to follow in ensuing conversations. That's what I love about aphorisms, they make you think.
Here are a few of my own. Tell me what you think!
God will deliver you from everything, but responsibility.
To hide one’s faults behind the pointing finger, only makes one’s problems linger.
Pets are training wheels for soon-to-be parents.
Without the bad how else are we to know the good?
Leave a comment of what you think or leave a aphorism of your own!
