Welcome to the Creative Corner! This week we are interviewing Emily Morrow.

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Crying herself to sleep,

All her feelings in her keep

As a paper slowly ripping

Like the paper she is breaking

She longs for an embrace

Tell her it’s no race,

To understand everything

Help her by explaining,

And let her know that it’ll be ok

Show her that there is a way

She knew that there was a savior

Waiting for him to come to her

Not knowing he was already in her grasp

She could have him if she just asked

God was there and he knew

The pain that she was going through

Softly weeping, tear-stained bed,

As she slowly raised her head,

And there, God came even closer even yet.

Interview with the authors

Three Quick Questions…

1. What do you think could be improved about this poem?

I think the end could probably be fixed up a bit… it’s a bit choppy in some parts, too.  Lines 10-11 are a little weirdish I suppose.  I dunno, I’m not particularly good at finding the fault in my own work :P

2. Any ideas or encouragement for other budding writers on NSA?

Write about what you’re feeling.  I hardly ever write when I’m just… normal, or whatever.  In times of great emotion come great poems, haha.

3. Chocolate or Candy. Which is better?

Candy, duh!  It’s rather strange, but I rather dislike chocolate.  I mean, I like it sometimes with coffee or something, but the flavor itself makes me gag.

Caroline’s Critique:

Strengths: This is definitely a poem straight from the heart – or wherever it is those too-well-known feelings of depression and loneliness originate from. The heartfelt emotion is described particularly well in the first several lines, continuing throughout the whole piece in an unstructured way characteristic of the emotional catharsis it describes. Within the poem are several exceptional lines: ‘as the paper slowly ripping / like the paper slowly breaking,’ for example, is eloquent in its repetition and subtle half-rhyme. My favorite, however, is the last three lines – I love the poem’s dramatic, thought-provoking ending.

Weaknesses: Although in some ways the unstructured flow of this poem is effective, it also makes it somewhat difficult to read, which detracts from what is being said. There is some confusion between whether or not this is a rhyming poem, which can add in some parts (particularly near the beginning), but more often breaks the flow. Some lines contain awkward wording (she knew that there was a savior / waiting for him to come to her), and the word ‘even’ is used twice in the last line. Splitting the poem into two stanzas where it takes a new direction would bring more clarity and make it stronger.

The uniqueness of this poem makes it stand out in a strong way, and its easily relatable emotion is heart wrenching but effective, although a few areas could be tidied up to make the idea hit home even harder. I love your artistic use of words, Emily. Keep it up!

Thanks for reading! Have any comments, questions, ideas, or submissions for this column? Send your work and ideas to Caroline Black. God bless your week!