When Did the Call of Poetry First Capture My Heart?

I can safely say that I've spoken about this moment numerous times before, but it's certainly one of immense significance in my personal journey as a poet. Reflecting on the origins of my passion for poetry, it feels like a different journey altogether when compared to the paths others have taken. Although I didn't fully embrace poetry until later in life, the seeds were planted long ago.

Early School Days - A Diverse Interests Landscape

During my time in Secondary School in the U.K., I couldn't say with certainty that poetry was even on my radar. Poetry was a part of the school curriculum, and I remember certain aspects of it well enough, but I hadn't yet composed a single poem of my own. My fascination with poetry, like so many others, growing out of the influence of famous World War I poets such as Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen, would be a much later discovery.

Shaping the Scholar

One of my strongest academic interests was undoubtedly English, a subject that brought a certain level of academic excellence. These classes included the occasional lesson on poetry, alongside other academic disciplines like grammar. Strangely, the idea of writing my own poetry didn't cross my mind. I wasn't disinterested; rather, my curiosity was focused elsewhere. History, particularly ancient history and lost civilizations, held a significant portion of my time, leaving little room for the musings of poetry.

Spending much of my free time in the library, researching various topics, particularly those connected with the Bible and ancient cultures, was my preferred method of engagement with the world. The scholar within me was evident, but it wouldn't lead to a university scholarship in the end. There was simply no room in my academic pursuits for extended academia.

A Moment of Realization - A Chance Discovery

It wasn't until I delved into the world of Paganism that I truly found my voice and the inspiration to write. My interest in this mystic path was partly sparked by the writings of Erica Jong, a respected author, poet, and a practicing witch. Her poetry, rather than her fiction, was what initially captured my imagination. I found myself drawn to her work, and it became a source of inspiration for my own writings, which I later referred to as my 'Pagan Musings'.

I recall a time when I hadn't realized that I was writing poetry. It was a slow and subconscious realization. Over the years, I came to understand that I had a latent passion that I was slow to recognize. Somewhere within me, the idea that my writings were a form of poetry was a concept that I had long considered but not overtly acknowledged.

The Long Journey to Finding My Muse

The journey to this point was long and winding. It wasn't until 1977 to 1986, a decade long period, that I officially began to explore my poetic side. It took another 20 years before I picked up my pen again and truly embraced my identity as a poet. The spring of 2015 brought a reawakening and a rediscovery of self, as if I had found my Muse.

Looking back, the seed of my poetic journey was planted long ago, but it took time and personal transformation to see its fruition. Today, I can proudly call myself a poet, a journey that is a testament to the unexpected paths our lives can take.