I recently received the following note from a poet I greatly admire:
I really want to submit a poem to you from my blog, but I am debating whether any of my work is worthy enough to be featured. Can you be brutally honest with me and let me know if my longer poems are up to standard?
To be honest, I was flabbergasted by this because the person who sent it to me is one of my all-time favorite poets to read on WordPress. I consider their work incredibly raw and brainy – and pure in a way that I only strive for. How could a poet as amazing as this individual think that their work might not be “worthy” of being published on my blog?
Shortly thereafter, I received this comment on my blog from yet another blogger:
I love to read and write poetry, but imposter syndrome keeps me from sharing it with anyone. Iโm working on moving past that.
Now, this writer is one that I’ve had less exposure to than the first, but… “No!” I want to exclaim, “Be proud of your words – be confident in your voice!”
Of course, look who’s talking – Me, the guy who has yet to submit any of his poetry to any other poetry publication. And why? Because I’m insecure about it! What is collectively wrong with us? Why are there so many talented writers out there who don’t believe in themselves or don’t believe that their work is “good enough”?
Ok. I know that I keep on saying this, but I am now setting a hard deadline for myself – I will submit at least one poem to a publication by the end of this month (March ’22)! And – if you also are feeling doubtful of your poetry skills, please – bite the bullet! At the very least, publish your poems publicly on your blog… We’ve gotta start somewhere!
Let’s write poetry together!
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.
–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!
The Skeptic's Kaddish ๐ฎ๐ฑ 
There remains a fear of rejection, i guess.
Well said David!
๐ค Vidah ๐ค
Wonderful encouragement! There are so many incredible poets on WordPress. I also felt the same way as those bloggers for the longest time about my poetry, but I’m slowly getting a little more confident.
I’m trying to too ๐
Good luck David! Your work is definitely good enough. As Colleen and Merril pointed out, though, rejections are always more plentiful than acceptances. (K)
๐ Kerfe ๐
Well said, David. I too am trying to overcome my insecurities and submit something. I like that you have set yourself a deadline.
Let’s do it together! Your poetry is amazing, Worms ๐
I think that itโs only the first time that we have to overcome our hesitation. After that it gets easier. You should submit your poetry to other sites and publications so that others can read and enjoy them.
๐ค Sadje ๐ค ~ thanks for being so supportive!
My pleasure David
Rarely do I see posts that address the inner (writer) critic. Nice work, David. Wishing you the greatest success with your submission, wherever that may be.
๐ Michele ๐
We touch on the inner critic in writing workshops. It can be debilitating for many writers, sadly. It takes courage to share oneโs art, whatever the medium.
You are so right, Michele
wordpress post, then hand out poems on the street corner, followed by the ultimate humiliation – a public reading. ahhhhhh and then we won’t take ourselves too seriously, ideally anyway. I’ve only made it past level one, but hope to move to level two this spring. good luck to everyone.
Amenโฃ๏ธ
Well said David, it needed to be said! ๐๐ Us poets and writers are a fearful; multi-talented breed. We don’t know the power of our own words!
๐ Ken ๐
Speaking of poetic encouragement David, I’ve a new poem written, called HOME over on my blog. Whenever you get the chance to look at it, I’d really appreciate it!! ๐๐
โค ๐
Much obliged! ๐๐
I fear we all suffer from imposter syndrome. Most of the time, I feel like what I write sucks. Thank you for your encouraging words, and you are one of my favorite WordPress poets.
๐๐ฅฐ Molly ๐ฅฐ๐
I thought the same thing. What makes me think I am able to write poems anyway, I can hardly write a blog post. ๐
๐งก Bridget ๐งก ~ but you overcame that!
Exactly what Colleen said, David. The other thing to consider is sometime a poem is not accepted not because of its quality necessarily, but because it doesn’t fit the overall theme or the publication has already accepted some on that topic. (Or so I’ve been told.) ๐ Good luck!
๐๐ป Merril ๐๐ป
I submit my poetry to other sites and publications often. Of course, most are never accepted… but that’s part of writing and practicing. We all feel our poetry doesn’t meet up to other’s expectations because writing poetry is so personal. We expose our writing souls to the world… yet they don’t choose our poetry. Just don’t take it personal. Keep trying until you get acceptedโthen celebrate. ๐ โค
๐ Colleen ๐