The Art & Poetry of Mary Coleman

I have a very particular process when I write poetry. It only happens early in the morning when I first wake up. At no other time of the day can I write. I have to be half asleep still. 

The initial idea, however, comes to me throughout the day. I could be doing anything and a line just forms in my head, usually one or two lines. When I get a moment, I scribble them down in my day planner and then the next morning, when I am in writing mode, I form the lines into an entire poem.

One thing I am sure of is that I will never take a class in poetry. Never ever (I do read books of poetry though). I learned that lesson with art school. That shit ruins you. It stunted my ability to paint and I’ve never recovered fully. I can’t say I’m not proud that I made it all the way through a master’s degree, but it definitely did not benefit my overall creative process. My poetry will never be caged like my visual art was and still is.

Today I ran 6 miles. I needed to get my long run in before I went on my trip because I wouldn’t have time while I was away. It was a slow jog, my legs felt very heavy, but I made it through. I went with my friend which helped me persevere. Our next long run is 7 miles and it’s just up from there until we reach 10. Then the half marathon in April.