"Tabula Rasa" is a beautiful and evocative piece that captures the quintessential struggle and eventual breakthrough of a writer facing the daunting white screen. This poem eloquently mirrors the internal conflict many writers experience - the tension between the advice often given to "just write" and the inherent human need to think, to rationalize, to make sense of what we are about to put down on paper.
The poem starts with a vivid description of the writer's mind as "blank as the bright white screen," a metaphor that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of starting from nothing, the tabula rasa, which also cleverly serves as the title. The cursor, blinking "in rhythm with my heart," becomes more than just a mark on the screen; it symbolizes the writer's heartbeat, their life force, their anxiety, and anticipation.
The form and structure of the poem, with its shifting indentations, visually represent the ebb and flow of the writer's thoughts and the process of giving in to the writing process itself. This stylistic choice enhances the reader's experience, drawing them deeper into the writer's mind.
The repetition of "Just write" serves as a mantra, echoing the advice given by many to overcome writer's block by letting the words flow freely without overthinking. Yet, the poem delves deeper into the complexity of this advice, questioning how one can write without thinking, highlighting the paradoxical nature of the creative process.
The turning point comes when the writer decides to "give in" and "clear [their] mind," leading to a burst of creativity that is both surprising and liberating. The "clicking sound" of the keys becomes a comforting presence, a tangible reminder of the physical act of writing, grounding the writer as they watch the words "appear in a blur before [their] eyes."
"Tabula Rasa" is not just a poem about writing; it is a reflection on the creative process itself, the struggle between thought and action, and the magical moment when surrendering to the process leads to unexpected results. It's a reminder that sometimes, to truly create, we must let go of the need to control every aspect of the creation.
This poem speaks to anyone who has ever faced a blank page, offering both solace and inspiration. It suggests that within the act of surrender, there is the potential for profound creativity, and that perhaps, the cursor that beats in rhythm with our hearts is not just marking time, but leading us towards discovery
WriterRick (WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group)
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