Step Into the Light
When isolation does not equate to sanctuary - a poet's journey
Hello JOMC Subscribers! Happy Wednesday!
We are going a bit “off-script” this week as I am sharing one of my recently published works, Step Into the Light, featured in
’s The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal.To be completely honest, this piece surprised me. I hadn’t formally written poetry in years, like over a decade (at least). Then, late one evening, I was working through some draft content, and the words just bubbled up and flowed out. A bit shocked, I stepped away from the page, sure I was fooling myself into believing I could once again pen poetry.
When I opened it back up about a week later, I discovered my insecurity was not only still present, but had some rather deep roots. Eons ago, when I was a young high school student, I had a very unique opportunity to become the editor and creative director of a student-led literary magazine. While this may seem like “old-hat” nowadays, back then, we were one of only two high school literary magazines in the country. It was ground-breaking and highly experimental, especially considering it was comprised almost entirely of poetry paired with graphically designed art (again, “cutting-edge” for a high school as Photoshop was in its infancy).
As the editor and creative director, I was responsible for planning each publication, working with authors and artists to develop and finalize content, and I was required to personally include my own poetry in each monthly issue. Even as I “led the charge” and inspired others to create imaginative and meaningful work, I somehow felt like a fraud when it came to my own craft. I was sure someone would see through the facade and call out this wanna-be writer masquerading as a poet. Despite my apprehension, the criticism never came. I directed the literary magazine for three full years of my high school career and published countless works while our publication earned national recognition.
Yet… I still never felt fully affirmed, fully accepted into this niche of the writing community. Writers are writers, but poets… that is reserved for the sages, the truly artistic, the empathetic creatives. A richness and mastery of craft that I may try to emulate, but never fully garner. Or so I thought…
Isn’t it interesting that the title of this publication is called The Way Back to Ourselves? I have struggled to identify as a poet, yet I have published numerous poetic works. I have felt like an outsider in a community where no one was pushing me away. It was all internal - all my own flawed perceptions. I had no intention of writing a poem or even attempting to pen such a work, yet the Lord saw an opportunity for redemption of a gift I didn’t even realize was lost.
He is the Great Artist, the Master Potter, and He shapes us as He sees fit. I will no longer argue. If He says I am an author and a poet, then for the first time in my life, I will proudly and confidently claim that elusive title with immense gratitude that He has led me back to my true self.
Step Into the Light by Megan J. Conner
Do you have passions, gifts, or interests that feel lost or unattainable? How can you find your way back to yourself?
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Oh Megan, I'm so glad you dove (back) into the springs of poetry...
This line is golden, "Hope is rarely ascertained in seclusion." Well done!