Poetry Therapy

Sample of Poetry Therapy

The Journey

by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice-

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

“Mend my life!”

each voice cried.

But you didn’t stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only thing you could do-

determined to save

the only life you could save.

Exercise:

Read the poem, “The Journey” by Mary Oliver a few times and let your mind be open to what comes up for you from your own life experience. 

After reading the poem, think back to any time in your life where you had a similar experience of knowing, “what you had to do;” when you allowed yourself to take a step, even though there were other voices shouting bad advice, and there were things blocking your road, and it was late enough, but you heard your voice and strove forward anyways. 

In your journal, describe this experience to me. This is a time when you listened to your own voice and marched through the darkness into the light.  It could be as simple as a change in a job, entering or leaving a relationship, or just one of those ideas that pushed you to a new beginning, and new clarity.  These are the stories of our voice.

Consider these details:

Where were you?

How old were you?

Who else was around you at that time?

Were there people giving you other advice?

What were the roadblocks in your way?

How did it feel to honor your voice and take that step?

This is an example of Poetry Therapy. Poetry opens emotional and intellectual doors for adolescents. The act of writing helps young people express thoughts that were previously bottled up inside. Poetry can also lend to artistic growth and deep expression of thoughts or feelings that one might not want to share with a friend, family member, or counselor. If talking to someone isn’t always an effective way to communicate internal conflicts, you may consider Poetry Therapy by answering probing questions or writing a story, diary entry, or poem. These exercises can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s conflicts, stresses, anxieties, or fears without sharing deep secrets with a listener. A piece of paper is nonjudgmental so don’t be afraid to express yourself.

If you are in need of support, Teen Link is an anonymous helpline run by teens from 6 PM-10 PM every night of the week that is here to talk. Feel free to call Teen Link at 1 (866) 833 – 6546. If Teen Link is not available to talk to you, you can also call the Crisis Link at (206) 461-3222.