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JENNIFER'S GEMS
by Jennifer Brown Banks

The Passion and Power of Poetry

Words woo.

Ever since the days of Barrett-Browning's “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,” women and men have used poetry as a part of their romantic arsenal.

And I'm  no different.

In fact, few people know that although I have had great overall success as a columnist and article writer, my first love is poetry. I've authored several editions. 

Writing has been in my blood since the age of about 13, initially to meet the requirements of a “gifted student” program I was placed in, and later to deal with teen issues and vent.

Over the years, I found that I loved the freedom of expression that the genre of poetry affords, and the “rawness” as well.

I've even dated creative artists and writers. And let me tell ya', it definitely gives guys an edge if they are versed in this particular area!

A case in point would be the “major crush” I have had on poet PETER MCWILLIAMS for more than a decade, though we've never met.

(SIDE NOTE...If anybody out there knows anybody who knows Peter, have his people call mine!) :-)

Here's something else you should know...

So significant in its social and artistic impact, that April is actually designated National Poetry Month.

To commemorate this event, I'll explore a little poetry as a vehicle of expression for this week's column.

Here's a poem I wrote a while ago about a former relationship.

I ONCE LOVED A POET

 I once loved
A poet---

Loved how he caught me up
In his rhythm and flow
On wine-laced nights
Seductive
Mellow
And slow

Loved his sense of delivery and timing
The beat of two hearts
Wildly pacing
and rhyming

My lines
Can still remember
His great attention to detail
The beautiful way
His touch would often tell
What his pride wouldn't

I once
Loved a poet

And here's another piece from poet Henry L. Jones

This Distance

Can you touch me
from over there?
Let my arms reach
& hold you
as long as this thought
can keep our hope alive
when I need to feel your presence
even at this distance
you're near
and your love

Poetry has also provided the basic foundation for the lyrics you often enjoy in some of your favorite songs. As a matter of fact, it's very common for singers/performing artists to also express themselves through poetry recreationally.

Famous vocalists like Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Jewel, and a few others have even published poetry books reflecting their work in verse, as an example. And although you may not think you have a creative bone in your body, you can create your own original pieces to endear yourself to the opposite sex.  Really .;-)

Here's how.

• Find something you feel is unique about the person you'd like to pen a poem for.  It could be a physical trait or an idiosyncrasy.  Like an usual laugh, beautiful eyes, a warm spirit, a nice figure or physique, or a flair for fashion.
  
  
• Choose the emotion you would like to evoke.  Is your piece to make him/her laugh, cry, reflect, remember?
  
  
• Keep it simple. Don't try to be overly ambitious all at once.  “Rome wasn't built in a day.”
  
  
• Try starting with a famous first line: “Roses are red, violets are blue,” or “How do I love thee?” Of course, you should never plagiarize, but you can do a “remake” of something that has a line or two that's easy to jump start from.

If all else fails, you can always dedicate a poem from one of your favorite poets, or these volumes I highly recommend!

“A PARADOX IN PINK”---By Jennifer Brown Banks

“COME LOVE WITH ME AND BE MY LIFE”---By Peter McWilliams

 “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW FINE YOU ARE?” ---By Sporty King

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Jennifer's Gems is a weekly column written by award-winning poet and writer, Jennifer Brown Banks. It is published every Wednesday. Click here to read her welcome letter.