What’s It Like to Be a Professional Poet?

As a professional writer, the experience can be quite fulfilling. Unlike the general notion, the term ‘professional’ in the context of a poet primarily means being constantly engaged in the craft. My goal is to hone my writing to perfection, to craft the perfect sonnet. But therein lies a fundamental contradiction - being a professional poet isn't necessarily synonymous with fame and publication.

The Art of Poetry

The notion of fame often leads to a grim reality where poets are compelled to publish simply for survival, under the pressure to achieve and sustain recognition. That is a form of ego that can overshadow the real purpose of poetry, which is to nourish the soul. Publishing is a means to an end, to share and refine one’s writing, but it should not be the primary focus of a professional poet’s endeavor. The true purpose is to develop your writing skills, to perfect the ability to cut and refine, to express and convey ideas with elegance and efficiency. This is professionalism in writing.

Personal Poetry: A Sonnet in Form

Allow me to illustrate this concept through a device that has always captivated me - the sonnet. Though not a professional poet in the conventional sense, I remain constantly engaged in the art of poetry. I incorporate snippets of verse into my daily routine, aiming to please, yet always mindful that no piece of writing can ever fully satisfy the soul.

Although not paid a poet I remain,
Full time I work and never turn it off,
A stanza here and there a new refrain,
Exists to please though never is enough.
My wandering wondering waking mind alive,
To please with every word I pen.
A foundling scribe, a fledgling writing guine,
I set my quill to paper. And again,
I write. I think. I postulate all day,
I at my desk astruggle with my work.
A daily thought for all those who say,
I fight against the men I think are jerks,
Master poeticism, all I find,
I work full time...if only in my mind.

Conclusion

The journey of a professional poet is a continuous one, a journey that originates from the mind and extends to the heart. It is about self-refinement, about pushing the boundaries of language and thought, and most importantly, about expressing the beauty of life in a way that resonates with others. Being a professional poet is not about fame or accolades, but about the passion, the dedication, and the belief in the power of words.