Day 32.

Time To Chat.

I haven't done much narration or explanation this year. I've wanted to let the poems speak for themselves. This seemed like a good time to chat.

This time around is different. In 2014, it was an experiment. I genuinely had no idea if I would be able to keep that daily promise. But I did. I learned a lot and feel like my writing grew by the end of the year. I was able to portray my thoughts and intentions more accurately as the project evolved. Throughout the process, I allowed myself to play, to be silly and to write about complete nonsense just for the sake of writing. There were many days when I had no inspiration, so I wrote about that.

This time is different. Since 2014, a lot has happened. 2015 brought me love. You'll see more poems from that time as the year goes on. 2016 brought a heart attack for my mother. She survived, but it was trying time. 2017 brought darker times. We lost 2 cats early on. Neal's mom passed away in the spring. A close friend took his own life in the summer.

So, this time is different. The poems have been heavier. I have not been able to find that place of light I had in 2014. Not yet. There are still too many shadows.

This time is different. My goal is not just to write every day. It is to continue developing my ability to convey the message or feeling I set out to express with each poem. Oftentimes, these poems have a mind of their own and become something very unlike my original intention. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes not.

The 2018 journey will be different. That's a good thing. It's all about growth, after all.

See you at the other end.