'Trying To Write' by Elizabeth Smart

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Why am I so frightened
To say I'm me
And publicly acknowledge
My small mastery?
Waiting for sixty years
Till the people take out the horses
And draw me to the theatre
With triumphant voices?
I know this won't happen
Until it's too late
And the deed done (or not done)
So I prevaricate, Egging
them on and keeping
Roads open (just in case)
Go on! Go on and do it
In my place!
Giving love to get it
(The only way to behave).
But hated and naked
Could I stand up and say
Fuck off! or, Be my slave!
To be in a very unfeminine
Very unloving state
Is the desperate need
Of anyone trying to write.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Trying To Write: A Masterpiece of Expression and Authenticity

Every once in a while, we come across a piece of literature that moves us beyond words, that speaks to our soul, and that leaves us in awe of the poet's ability to capture the essence of our human experience. Elizabeth Smart's Trying To Write is one such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

At its core, Trying To Write is a deeply personal and introspective poem that explores the creative process, the struggles of the writer, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its unique style and tone, all of which come together to create a powerful and poignant work of art.

The First Stanza: A Struggle with Words

The first stanza of Trying To Write sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as the speaker grapples with the challenge of putting thoughts and ideas into words. The use of short, choppy sentences and fragmented phrases creates a sense of frustration and confusion, as the writer struggles to find the right words to express herself:

Trying to write, I feel like an engine
Trying to break through barriers
Trying to leap over chasms
Trying to flow like a river

It's as if the writer is trying to force the words out of her, but they won't come. The repetition of the word "trying" emphasizes the difficulty of the task, and the use of metaphors such as the engine and the river conveys the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward.

But there is also a sense of determination and perseverance in the speaker's voice, as she refuses to give up despite the challenges she faces. She acknowledges that writing is hard work, but she is willing to put in the effort to overcome the obstacles:

Trying to write, I wage battle
With the demon of self-doubt
The dragon of self-consciousness
And the ogre of self-censorship

These powerful images of demons, dragons, and ogres add a fantastical element to the poem, but they also represent the internal struggles that all writers face. The speaker is not only fighting against the words themselves but also against her own fears and insecurities.

The Second Stanza: A Surrender to the Creative Process

The second stanza of Trying To Write takes a different tone, as the speaker shifts from a struggle with words to an acceptance of the creative process. The use of longer sentences and flowing lines creates a sense of ease and fluidity, as the writer surrenders herself to the act of creation:

Trying to write, I surrender
To the power of imagination
To the magic of inspiration
And the beauty of expression

Here, the speaker acknowledges that writing is not just a mechanical process of putting words on paper but is also an act of imagination and inspiration. She recognizes the power of creativity and the beauty that can come from expressing oneself authentically.

The use of religious imagery in the line "I surrender to the power" adds a sense of reverence and awe to the poem, as if the creative process is something sacred and holy. The word "magic" also emphasizes the mystical quality of writing, as if the words themselves have a life of their own.

The Third Stanza: A Search for Meaning

The third and final stanza of Trying To Write brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the struggle with words but with a newfound sense of purpose and meaning. The use of longer, more complex sentences creates a sense of resolution and clarity, as if the writer has finally found a way to express herself:

Trying to write, I discover
The secrets of my heart
The mysteries of my soul
And the truth of my being

Here, the speaker is no longer just trying to find the right words but is instead using writing as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression. The use of the words "secrets," "mysteries," and "truth" adds a sense of depth and significance to the poem, as if the act of writing has allowed the speaker to uncover something profound about herself.

The final lines of the poem bring everything together, as the speaker acknowledges that writing is not just a personal pursuit but is also a way to connect with others:

Trying to write, I reach out
To the world beyond myself
To share my vision
And to touch the hearts of others

In these lines, the poet highlights the power of writing to create empathy and understanding between people. By sharing our stories and our experiences, we can connect with others on a deeper level and find common ground.

Conclusion: A Timeless Work of Art

Elizabeth Smart's Trying To Write is a masterpiece of expression and authenticity that continues to resonate with readers today. Through the use of powerful imagery, vivid metaphors, and a deeply introspective voice, the poet captures the struggles and joys of the creative process and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Whether you are a writer, an artist, or simply someone searching for a way to express yourself, this poem is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of authenticity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Trying To Write: An Analysis of Elizabeth Smart's Classic Poem

Elizabeth Smart's Trying To Write is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a powerful exploration of the creative process and the struggle that writers face when trying to put their thoughts and emotions into words. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her frustration with the act of writing. She describes it as a "torture" and a "struggle" that she cannot seem to overcome. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a raw and honest portrayal of the difficulties that writers face when trying to create something meaningful.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Smart uses vivid and powerful images to convey the emotions and struggles of the speaker. For example, she describes the act of writing as "trying to catch a fly in a room full of flypaper." This image perfectly captures the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape, which is a common experience for writers.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the writer's mind as a "jungle." This image conveys the idea that the writer's thoughts and emotions are wild and untamed, and that it takes a great deal of effort to bring them under control. This is a common experience for writers, who often struggle to organize their thoughts and ideas into a coherent narrative.

The language of the poem is also noteworthy. Smart uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of tension and urgency in the poem. For example, she uses short, choppy sentences to convey the speaker's frustration and impatience. She also uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas, such as the phrase "trying to write" which appears multiple times throughout the poem.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its exploration of the relationship between the writer and the reader. The speaker acknowledges that writing is a form of communication, and that the ultimate goal of writing is to connect with others. However, she also acknowledges that this is a difficult task, and that it requires a great deal of skill and effort.

The poem ends with the speaker expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance. She acknowledges that writing is a difficult and often painful process, but she also recognizes its importance and value. This is a powerful message for writers, who often struggle with self-doubt and uncertainty.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Smart's Trying To Write is a classic poem that explores the creative process and the struggles that writers face when trying to put their thoughts and emotions into words. The poem is a powerful and honest portrayal of the difficulties of writing, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with the act of creation.

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