As we reach the lucky number 13 here at Poetry Time, I'm reminded at how the word luck is so deceptive. I believe that luck is something we create for ourselves. Something good doesn't just magically happen to us. Whatever hard work we've put into something will eventually come around to kiss you with good fortune.
When I think of people I admire, from Rebecca Kai Dotlich (www.rebeccakaidotlich.com) to Jane Yolen (www.janeyolen.com) to Nikki Grimes (www.nikkigrimes.com) to Lee Bennett Hopkins (www.leebennetthopkins) what makes each of them successful is that they put in the work, hours upon hours of rewriting, submitting, brushing off rejection like Jay-Z, and getting back to the daily grind. There's no secret to one's success, you have to work harder than everybody else, learn from your mistakes, get back in the saddle, and ride off to glory. As the British put it, you have to "get on with it."
Lately I've been seeing the successes of Amy Ludwig Vanderwater (www.amyludwigvanderwater.com) and Laura Purdie Salas (www.laurasalas.com) and using that as a spark to do more, rewrite that extra poem, tweak that manuscript, submit to another anthology, put in the work. I know it can seem daunting, I've faced doubt in my life on many an occasion, but success is there waiting for you to arrive, if you're willing to work for it. I'll leave you with this children's poem. See you next week!
ENTRANCE
Perspiration:
I’ll be fine,
I whisper
“This is mine.”
Courage fastens
To my heart,
Curtain opens –
Play the part.
(c) Charles Waters 2014 all rights reserved.