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From The Minister of Arts

October A.S. 18

Thomas Buttesthorn

At the recent Warlord Tourney, the opportunity was presented, in the structure of the competition, for the contestants to create something of beauty. At least two of the contestants (including the winner) had never thought themselves capable of writing a decent poem. But in the attempt, they wrote some very fine works and are to be encouraged to continue.

In addition to the pleasure which they afforded us, the listeners, they also enjoyed having done what they did. They were not poets, or did not think they were. They were fighters and other things. But the poetry lurked inside as I believe it lurks inside each of us. It only wants to be released.

But how? OK, so you've decided to try to create something, say for instance a poem. What now? First, read a lot of poetry. See how others have done it. What did they do? How did they do it? Why? By acquiring a knowledge of other poetry, you will learn what has been done (so you can do something different). You will acquire a familiarity with certain basic recurring themes, to which you can add your own unique twist. You can also learn how various types of poetry are structured (there are many), thus enabling you to rise above doggerel.

Learn the "Nuts and Bolts” of poetry, modes of description: metaphors, similes, allusions, etc. This will give you some technical skill in some depth, a structure to place your poetry on, and tools to build it.

Practice. Don't wait until you have mastered all of the above to write something. That could take years. Carry a notebook with you and a pen. Jot down things when they come to you, or when possible. Writing while driving can be hazardous. Do whatever feels most comfortable to you. You can only learn to write poetry by writing it. You can learn, think, study for years, but to gain skill in expression, you must express. Accept your mistakes; don't be afraid to grow.

Expression is like a muscle; it needs to be exercised to gain strength. You wouldn't expect to be able to run a marathon without training, on the first try. But with training, you could. Eventually, with practice and training, you could surpass the gifted runner who only trained on occasion.

It is also useful to receive feedback from other poets; to speak to those knowledgeable in your particular art. They will understand what you are attempting and may be helpful in enabling you to polish your skill. It is so much easier than operating in a vacuum. You will also make some very close friends in your common interest. The rewards are many.

In any case, don't be ashamed if your work isn't the most elegant the world has ever seen. There will always be some greater and some lesser, but none exactly like you. The mere fact that you have done it is beautiful. The sharing of it with others who care and appreciate it can be most gratifying.

Creation is not a competition, although there are competitions in the Arts. In its purest form, it is done for its own sake. There are no firsts or seconds or losers; everyone wins. What's more, when you create something truly beautiful and transcendent and share it with me, I win also. It adds a touch of beauty to my life that wouldn’t have been there otherwise.

One of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had recently was at the Bardic Circle at June Crown. It wasn’t a competition, but a sharing. We created what was almost a living entity, made up of the energies of several; each, however, simple or complex, adding to the whole. A many-colored flame which, I hope, will kindle like flames everywhere.

To conclude, I would say to those everywhere who would like to create: do it! The rewards can be many. What you have to offer can be beautiful. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed. The light of those who make light is only diminished by the lack of light from those who do not. Add that which is uniquely yours to the light and help it to grow; the better to banish the darkness.

-- Thomas Buttesthorn

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