You’re tough. You’re strong. But you’ve got a heart. Use it. Write a poem – not some flowery nonsense, but a real poem. Write a poem for someone you love – your wife, your child, your mother. It doesn’t matter, just write.
Why? Because it matters. Words have power. Especially when they come from you.
Here’s how to do it:
- Keep it simple. You’re not Shakespeare, so don’t try to be. Use your own words.
- Be specific. Don’t say “you’re beautiful.” Say why. What makes them beautiful to you?
- Use your senses. What do they smell like? Sound like? Feel like?
- Be honest. Don’t write what you think you should. Write what you feel.
- Read it out loud. If it sounds off, it is. Fix it.
Here’s a simple structure. Use it if you want:
- Line 1: Who they are to you
- Line 2: Two things about them
- Line 3: How they make you feel
- Line 4: What you want them to know
For example:
“Wife, my anchor
Soft hands, fierce heart
You calm my storms
I’m yours, always”
See? It’s nothing crazy. It’s just true.
Don’t worry about rhyme. Don’t worry about meter. If they come, good. If not, okay. Focus on meaning.
It takes guts to put your heart on paper. Writing a poem doesn’t make you soft. It makes you brave.
You’re Catholic. You believe in the Word made flesh. Now make your words flesh. Make them real. This isn’t just about the poem. It’s about seeing, really seeing the person you love.
Now go. Grab a pen. Write. Give your words. Give your heart. Be the man who loves with everything, even his words. Write a four-line poem today for someone you love. Give it to them. Watch what happens.
