Mátulain: Anyone in the Mood for More of My "Poetry" this September?
In reality, I don’t think I do a very good job of writing poetry. You will find the occasional nod to wordplay or rhyming, but I feel that my lines are far too literal to be poetic.
Mátulain is not just a series focusing on my poetry—instead, it follows my continuing love story with the art.
Last April, I joined #decolonize30for30, a month-long daily poetry prompt challenge. This month, I’m doing it again with #thetasteofmypen.
I use the word “poem” loosely to describe what I think other people recognize as such. In reality, I don’t think I do a very good job of writing poetry. You will find the occasional nod to wordplay or rhyming, but I feel that my lines are far too literal to be poetic.
As always, I am my worst critic.
What’s All This About #TheTasteofMyPen?
If you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been writing up a storm recently.
I know that I want to do something big, but I haven’t figured out the specifics yet. To keep practicing, I’ve been journaling for myself and maintaining both this Substack and my Instagram.
One of (L.R. Sterling) @thetasteofmypen’s poems on IG appeared as a Suggested Post the other week—thanks for the introduction, new Instagram feature!—and I soon learned that she’d be hosting a month-long poetry prompt activity. As a new reader and follower, I figured I’d join in.
I’m only mildly acquainted with Sterling’s work, as I’ve only known about her for less than a month. It’s how she comes across social media that’s really drawn me in: genuine and with a good head on her shoulders. That she’s focusing her prompts on themes of self-growth is just a plus.
So What Did I Write for @TheTasteofMyPen’s First Day of Poetry Prompts?
Yes. Before you ask, my first poem was about my father.
I hate to impose(!) but it’s a piece I actually quite like. Been feeling a little glum lately because I can’t tell Dad how much better I’ve been doing and expect a response. I think he’d be proud of me and happy that I’m taking care of myself—just gotta be okay with not being able to hear it said in his voice.
But please—please!—don’t go just yet. There’s more where that came from, and it’s not all going to be about the same damn thing each time.
May I Entice You Further By Offering a Poem About Ambivalence?
For example: Yesterday I wrote about being a non-immigrant immigrant.
I was born in California but never lived in the U.S. for more than a month until we finally moved in 2019. What a change in perspective! I had spent all my life trying to understand Filipino-Americans—and now I’m one of them.
The prompt was something closer to “what the mirror doesn’t see” but this poem took on a life of its own. Now I know how it feels to be physically disconnected and separated from everyone and everything I’ve ever known and loved.
If you’re interested in more of my “poetry,” you can follow me on Instagram: @miaoolivar.
What Else Would You Like to Me to Write About?
I realize there’s not a lot of you following me here, but I would like to make it worth your time nonetheless.
In the past, I’ve focused more on streamlining processes for pitching and writing as a one-woman team. But I’ve missed the point. While it’s true that I’m writing mainly for myself and to myself, you guys are here, too.
What is it that you enjoy about what I write? OR: What would you like me to try? Not that I’m running out of ideas, but this is bound to be OverSharing Central before long if I don’t diversify my portfolio.
Let me know!
Photo by Spencer Selover from Pexels
If you’ve enjoyed reading this or something else I’ve written, please consider buying me a coffee. ☕ Thank you!