Ryshia Kennie ...The adventure begins today!: Writer Writer

Today I received a phone call from a friend. First off I had to race through the house searching for my phone with wet hair and expecting a telemarketer at most, a charitable request at least.

Instead it was a friend. She was in tears.

I was immediately concerned until I heard the reason why. No family members in jeopardy, no catastrophe of any kind. No - she'd read my poem.

..."It's beautiful. I can't stop crying. I'll be reading it again. And I'll probably cry again."...

These comments from a woman who I have never heard cry were some of the best words of praise I'd ever received. I couldn't stop smiling and all because I had her in tears. That wasn't right. The tears should have had me upset. But, the fact that my words touched someone that deeply was ...to say the least - amazing.

Amazing. It's a dull little word. The only thing going for it is three syllables. I know I should have better words for what just happened. Richer words, deeper even. Words that reach into the gut. Wait, I already did that with the poem.

About the poem - it was inspired by my experience with my MIL who has dementia. I submitted it some months ago to the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) yearly poetry contest. My fingers are crossed but I know the odds are high. For it's up against talent from across Canada. So whether my poem makes it past the first hurdle and places at all or whether it doesn't - to touch someone like that is what it means to be a writer.

Today, for me, that reaction - was amazing. It reminded me of the reasons I write. Every poem, book or short story is different but in some way you hope it reaches someone - makes them smile, laugh or even cry. Because if I've engaged someone in some way, then I've done my job.

Ryshia

www.ryshiakennie.com