The Passion Within
Originally written and posted 2003Writing is an artistic expression of self. And like all artistic expressions, it is usually formed by a spontaneous overflow of emotion and passion. William Faulkner once said that, "you know you are a writer, if you feel that you must write." Most artists do not sit down in anticipation of creating a specific piece of work. They are usually inspired to the point of creation.
The inspiration to write can originate from so many different facets of life. Love, pain, injustice, beauty, all of these can contribute toward the impulse to write. Some people may be witness to some social injustice, and they are consumed by the need to write about the wrong they have just seen. Others are so overwhelmed by the beauty they see around them that they are filled with an urge to express their feelings about that beauty on paper. Walt Whitman wrote a poem about how two men "parting the parting of dear friends" caused him to, ‘Take my pen in hand to record.’ Writing comes from such an intimate place. Writing can almost be described as an alternate state of mind. The observation of something leads to contemplation, and contemplation leads to writing.
It is hard to hold on to that little window of time when it all seems to make sense, and you seem to be making sense of it on paper. Many times that little window has passed and you are left with only a few worthy sentences. But the rush you feel during that little time slot is not easily rivaled.
The idea that we are so overwhelmed with feeling that we must create something to express ourselves is incredible. It is what allows us to have peace of mind. Of course it also must include an inner desire to be heard and appreciated. As well as the inclination to have others experience in some way, how we felt when we wrote what we did. The exchange of experiences between humans gives us interest in living. And one of the best ways we can gain from others experiences is through the reflection of their art. The writing of so many individuals has enriched my life. Through others interpretations, I have been inspired to write my own translations.
The inspiration behind the content of a piece of work is varied and spontaneous, but what remains the same is the ever present drive or need to write. I write because I must write. If I did not write when I felt the desire to do so, I would feel incomplete and guilty in some way for not expressing myself in the best way possible or at least attempting to express myself. That is truly the goal of any work of art, an attempt to express oneself. The reason or inspiration for doing so will obviously vary, but everyone who writes will know the intense impulse which causes them to write. And they will know that the impulse which drives them, frees them.