"to absolve myself of all", Brandon Choo
things past, acknowledge that
back then, tense tends to fluctuate
to subvert weight. depends, whether i’m
in sense or in tents. fast forward, found myself
in tens. writing group, some extracts, pens,
changing lens just as things commence. making
sense of metaphor, no longer writing “... and received no kind answer”,
but “I dread the colour of the answer Yes ...”
In other words, allowing this notion
to condense: there's a time to be intense, and another
as simple as thanks. I’ll use the remaining time to
compens-
ate the drug of impermanence nonetheless ...
a poet plagued
by technical usage, to assuage some
odd thrill. I guess the child still
prevails sometimes . . .
/ Brandon Choo is a penultimate undergraduate of English Language and Literature at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. He was accepted into the NTU-NAC Asia Creative Writing Programme for Creative Non-Fiction. His work can be found in New Note Poetry and is forthcoming in the journal's first print anthology.
/ COMMENTARY
“A poem about writing poems is always relatable and especially when the poet writes from a place of just starting out and finding out what it means to wield the techniques of poetry effectively. I particularly enjoyed the stream-like use of puns and rhyme in this poem which give it a spoken quality. ”
/ Q&A
What inspired you to write this poem?
This poem was written in response to the first prompt of SingPoWriMo 2022 from Jennifer Anne Champion entitled "The Beginner's Luck Prompt". I began reflecting on the poetry I had produced at various points in my life and immediately recognized the stark contrast in technique between the old and the current, particularly diction-wise. At the time of the prompt, I had just come out of the NTU-NAC Asia Creative Writing Programme for Creative Non-Fiction and realised how much of a turning point the programme was for me in terms of both my craft and thought. Nonetheless, the idea of 'remembering one's roots' stuck to me and, as such, I decided to respond to this prompt with a poem that intentionally juxtaposes my growth as a maturing artist (and person in general) who was beginning to take the literary arts more seriously, with the temptation to return to my younger self.
How has writing for SingPoWriMo impacted you as a poet?
Writing for SingPoWriMo has reminded me about the sheer prowess that poetry possesses as a means of expression - how apt its inherent complexity is in expressing the deepest, most layered thoughts and emotions. More significantly, it has developed my thought and ability to express in unexpected ways - such as through elements that may not necessarily relate directly to the subject at hand, or surprising diction. Internalising the remarks of other participants has also helped me to improve aspects of my craft in one way or another, such as in the realm of style. Last but not least, writing for SingPoWriMo has also reinforced the notion that a poet should always strive to ruminate multi-dimensionally when approaching any theme.
What would you say to someone thinking about taking part in the next SingPoWriMo?
Go for it! It is a great starting point for individuals who are seeking to diversify their thought and/or are unsure of their poetry but are open to receiving advice that can potentially improve their craft. You will also feel more involved in the local literary scene now that SingPoWriMo has garnered so much traction to become one of the most significant local literary events.