Inspiration

I've been thinking recently about the inspiration to write poetry, having next to none myself at the moment, not how it comes or what it is - we all know that's to do with the impulse for creativity, among other drives - but when it appears and how we use it.

It seems to me that there are two aspects to its arrival: before a poem is started; after the poem's in progress. The 'before' aspect can work well if the poet's fizzing with ideas and associations and can't wait to get started. That's when a flow ensues and the first draft emerges, the impetus being strong. It's rare, though, for a poem to be almost complete at first go. Most, in my experience, need a number of revisions before they really work, which can tamp down the initial push, but leads, on analysis and careful re-reading, to other associations, word/phrase choices and tightening up, etc. The latter, for me, is part of the 'after' aspect; it can work well, but can cause problems.

One of the main difficulties with the 'after' aspect, I find, is how to keep the poem alive, inspired, fresh and immediate without so much revision that the initial impulse is killed and the whole thing becomes leaden and lifeless. Growing experience of revision can help, as may developing a critical eye when re-reading a poem. Getting the balance right seems to be crucial here.

I have problems if I don't have the initial inspiration to write. Exercises and forced writing over a period of time don't help me. Often the results are inconsequential, dull and flat. Also, if I have to produce a piece of prose, then poetic inspiration fizzles to little or nothing. It seems that I have to be in the right frame of mind and imagination and to have the time and space to allow it to surface before a poem emerges.

I'm aware that the above is a fairly superficial rendering of the issue and needs much more thinking through.