Sunday, November 04, 2007

something to burn

I have spent the better part of this excessively long day (no, I didn't know it was Daylight Savings and that I could therefore sleep one more hour) attempting to find a way into this year's statement of purpose/letter of intent. Last year's began with the inspiringly direct "As a poet, I am interested in. . . " which was (I thought) very, well, direct. Possibly effective.

This year, however, that introductory clause just isn't working. Part of this, I think, is that even though I have that letter written, I'm a different person and a different writer this time around. I've taught another creative writing class, I hiked and wrote and taught through England, and, more importantly, I've established one very important truth about myself: I'm still coming into my own as a poet, which is why I want to continue my education. I know what excites me about poetry and why I write poetry, but my interests change and I don't write "about" one thing. I'm drawn to language more than image now. I'm interested in challenging form. I read both poetry and prose for inspiration. Hell, I read song lyrics and watch John Cusack movies and Kenneth Branagh Shakespeare adaptations for inspiration. How do I hand all this over in a neatly-typed page to represent who I am? Or what I am? And, most importantly, who/what I'm in the process of becoming?

Renaissance Girl to the Rescue: For inspiration, consolation, and breathing techniques, read this.

5 comments:

Th. said...

.

Maybe, instead of making statements, you should continue asking questions.

Jesse Larsen said...

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/pb/95060160097026.htm

Just for you EG

Anna B said...

statements of intent are of the devil.

you are amazing and i'm so excited to see where you'll be getting your phd!!

mlh said...

you continue amazement of me

Amanda said...

Have you considered burning some cover statements this Guy Fawkes Day? There's still time...

 

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