'Poetry for the Soul'

John Keats wrote "Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness..."  in his poem titled To Autumn in which he delved into his surroundings and produced a beautiful reflective piece with this very famous first line. Keats' poems are the single work of a man who had the gift of a true wordsmith.
Poetry such as this, to me is a message of one's direct thoughts painted onto paper for all to read!
The essence of romanticism stuns your senses just long enough for you to picture what it is poets such as Keats were trying to convey.

I must say I haven't really been able to pick up a pen and truly write something that would be worthy to be called poetry, however this type of richly orchestral and deliberate placement of words is somewhat inspiring; even if you do not understand it! In this case I would say that I can only imagine what it must have been like to be an emotional male in those times, literature was the job to aspire to and today we may see some very worthy poetry for our time, but for me it doesn't compare.

With very romantic notions running through my head, I thought it purposeful to outline why as a writer of prose, it is inspiring to read from works of the eighteenth century. I think that it is this type of writing that we can reflect upon in order for us to develop our language skills! When I read poetry (especially Keats) it drives me to write anything including my novel, short stories and even the odd grouping of words that I like. Even though I do not use this practise of words in my writing, it becomes a tool to inspire me to work!

So, for all those struggling with wordplay or trying to keep motivated, I would suggest to drag out those dusty copies of your favourite poets from any era and use them as a tool to help you write. Hopefully each word will create a spark that links your novel, short story or even poetry with that part of your brain that has suddenly been brought back to life by the words of Keats, Yates, or even Shakespeare!

Boil the kettle, make a cuppa, sit down and read that nearly forgotten book and get inspired!

"Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits" - Carl Sandburg