Pathways to Creativity:

The Journey Towards Authenticity

BackFacing The Obstacles Next

 
How tempting it is to seek a masterpiece
with every stroke of the pen.
Let it go - there's no need to win a Pulitzer tonight
because the truth will still be there in the morning.
 
Even if you haven't found it yet
even if you've given up and gone to bed
it will hover like the firefly that appears
when you glance sideways at the dark night sky.
 
This thing called truth or poetry has a mind of its own.
When you finally let go of the search
then pop
it appears before you on the page.
 
Even now you can sense you got anxious again
and tried to grab it with your pen;
it slipped away, leaving just a faint hint
to keep you on the trail.

 

"FIREFLY"

Artist: Barbara Burhart

Poem

I often need to clear the inner cobwebs when I sit down to write. Into my journal I spill out all the niggling worries and distractions I carry. This emptying helps me open, as a vessel. Once I'm quieter, the core of a poem often comes quickly, of whole cloth. Sometimes a particular image, a feeling or memory, will trigger the process. "Firefly," for example, came to me in a quick burst.

Once I start I keep my pen on the paper until all the words pass through me and onto the page. Later I pare down, polishing the poem until it captures what I want to express. "To the Artist Within" was inspired by watching leaves fall to the ground on a cold morning in late winter. It underwent many revisions, and may yet change again!

Writing helps me stay connected to myself. When a piece captures my truth, I feel exhilarated and awed. I am having a conversation with the sacred aspect of my being, and I feel grateful for the moment of connection.

 

BARBARA BURKART

 

Autobiographical statement

 

The year I turned forty, my life began to change. I realized I had been choosing work I could succeed in, not work that connected to my deeper dreams. I joined a local writing workshop and the NEATI certificate program to find my authentic voice, and through that, a new vision. Since then I have written poetry, essays and columns, done some free-lance editing, filled many journal binders, and led several writing workshops. I have recently decided to work with both individuals and groups using writing, art, and ritual, as well as traditional counseling, to help others open to magic and heal the broken places. I am now researching graduate programs that will lead me there.

I live in Amherst with my husband Michael, our children Karen and E. Isaac, and puppy Theo (who rightfully considers us members of his pack). Also active in community service, I currently serve as president of our synagogue.