A Storm of Doubt
Doubt blows through
a dust-devil of uncertainty
clouding my judgment
It’s hard to recognize
the truth in the storm
To believe the evidence
right in front of my face
One does not become
a contest finalist
if one cannot write
Still self-doubt rages on
_____________________________________
I missed the last Quadrille Monday at dVerse Poets Pub. But the given word—storm—has been swirling in my mind ever since. So, for Open Link Night, I’m putting off working on my memoir, which is a finalist in the Oregon Christian Writers contest, and writing a stormy Quadrille instead.
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Working in solitude as poets do, we learn our craft and read others. Sometimes, we weigh our work against others, sometimes our own work comes out feeling wrong after it leaves our minds — not quite right written out. Then those doubts seize our thoughts and stop us. Best to take a walk and let fresh air blow them away. Take heart in small successes and the times the write felt right! I like poems that explicate the process. Very well done!
Congratulations on being a finalist in the memoir writing competition. This is a powerful poem 🙂
Thanks!
Nice description of doubt as a storm that we weather.
I can relate to this feeling.
I think a lot of writers can.
Having doubts is fine; its what drives us to check and validate our thoughts and emotions ~ Congrats on being a finalist ~
True.
Congrats and write on, my friend!
Thanks!
Like you, Linda, I have been missing at times lately because I am working on a larger project and am trying to stay in my head. I’m happy for you; you are a gifted writer!
Thanks. I think it’s important to prioritize our writing projects, but a little break for poetry now and then is good.
Better to err on the side of caution than to be over-confident! Perhaps self-doubt is simply caution in disguise! Good write.
I did think it’s a motivator to do one’s best and seek to improve.
To get to the final is proof that critics judged it favourably. You don’t have to be the best to be good 🙂
True. I would like to win, though. 🙂
I love your honesty! Most people say they just do it for love. I’m with you—the art is a great satisfaction in itself, but recognition is wonderful 🙂
Winning would give me a better chance of finding a publisher. And I do not want to self-publish this like I did my poetry books.
It’s certainly a plus when you’re querying if the ms has already won a prize. Best of luck 🙂
Ah, the doubts we have that we must overcome to realize and relish our potential. Well-penned.
-HA
Congratulations on being a finalist in the memoir writing competition. You deserve it. If this helps: I haven’t heard a writer, artist, musician or anyone NOT having doubt, even after having achieved recognition multiple times – so it’s normal! Don’t worry and carry on!
It does seem to be a universal trait of artists and writers.
To write is one thing – to let it be judged by others is another
Currently, I think, we have to hold to our hearts moral beliefs and not those of man.
God gave our hearts the “WORD” not words words words… It has become confusing. You have illustrated a dilemma well .