Poem: Heartbreak #InstaPoetry

I can run marathons

write books

lead a congregation

and create entire world

on paper.

The one thing I can’t do

-is have a child.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

My heart has been full of poetry lately. Ever since I published my first chapbook, I’ve had poems floating around inside my mind. When I become overwhelmed with emotion, I begin to think in verse. Sometimes, it’s outright distracting. The other day, when I went to brush my teeth, I had a poem stuck in my head. I was so distracted that I put my comb in my mouth instead of my toothbrush!

A few days ago, a friend asked me, “How do you find time to write?”

I told her, “If I don’t get these words out of my head and onto paper, I’ll be too distracted to do anything else!”

In an effort to do something constructive with all of these poems, I have been submitting the best ones to a lot of literary journals.  So far, I’ve been getting a lot of rejections. That is understandable. Rejection is part of the writing process. I’ve also had my own share of joyous accomplishments.

After doing my research regarding literary journals, I found that the majority of work published in literary journals is by people who have an MFA. It’s not that only people with MFA degrees get published. It’s simply that they may have a better knowledge of the industry or have a professor who might be able to point them in the direction of a journal that fits their unique style.

I will continue submitting my work to literary journals because I believe that success is ten percent talent and ninety percent perseverance; however, in the meantime, I’ve been exploring other creative outlets. I’ve seen so many talented poets on Instagram who aren’t waiting for the validation of the literary establishment in order to stretch their wings and share their words with the world.

The great thing about the technological age is just how egalitarian publishing has become. Writers can now create a blog or share their work on social media. Some talented poets have even been able to turn their large Instagram followings into book deals with traditional publishers.

What do you think of one of my first attempts at Instagram poetry? After doing some research, I’ve found that the most successful Instagram poets can craft an entire poem in less than fifty words. It’s much more challenging than you would think. Brevity is the soul of wit.

I’ve also discovered that the most successful Instagram poets have a signature style. Often, they consistently use the same fonts and a distinctive color palette. For my color palette, I’ve selected sea glass. I know that I still have a lot of work to do regarding branding but I think I’ve at least made a solid start with my little green owl!

I hope you enjoyed my brief but heartfelt insta-poem. The most important thing for any writer is finding your own distinct voice and style. There may be many shortcomings in this little piece but I can say for certain that it is distinctively me. 

I will continue to use the gift of words that God has given me to explore this world and attempt to make sense of life’s beautiful journey. Thank you for traveling with me!

Until next time,

-Rev. Rebecca

So, what do you think of my first Instagram poem, “Heartbreak?” Do you like the font, or do you think it is too plain? Do you like the colors? Do you think the image fits well? 

I would love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!