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Shelter and rescue workers.....what keeps you going?

In reference to my other question regarding pet peeves (see link)

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvbnzJFdeYO8WVPmHaM9lsMjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080129130108AAkb9bI

We all deal with stressful situations...people who dump dogs, stupid questions, terrible situations. For any shelter worker, these types of things take an emotional toll.

So what inspires you to keep going? What's your mantra to get you through the day?

“There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” ~ William Barclay.

I know for a fact I was put on this earth to help and to save dogs. Yes, there are usually more "bad" days then good, but I simply cannot stop. I would not be able to get through a day knowing I was doing nothing to help dogs in need.

I define "Inspired By Poetry" as poetry that has it's creative germ in someone else's work. This work could be a famous painting, hymn, song, book or poem. It is not a form a plagiarism because it is not taking someone else's ideas as your own. Rather, it is a time-honored artistic concept--drawing inspiration from the creative works of others.

With that definition in mind, I would like to share two simple ways to create poetry that has been inspired by the creativity of others, and two techniques that work for me:

• Read a poem and search your soul for inspiration on a similar subject:

Shel Silverstein's poem "Invitation" that appears on page 9 of The Light in the Attic inspired this poem:

Welcome

Come in, Come in

Wherever you are

Let's travel near and far

Imagination will be our ship

Into it we will slip

• Talk to a friend about something important to them, and write a poem for them

I visited a friend, Shirley Howlett, who is dying of cancer. One of her friends, Julie, was there. Shirley told Julie that we were both poets, and had both been published in Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. I suggested to Julie that she write a poem too. She declined, and asked me to write one. We talked about her relationship with Shirley. Shirley talked about her relationship with Julie. Here's the result:

Dialogue

We're friends!

Julie:

Just because you're you

I love to gaze into your facets.

Shirley:

I don't know why, except

It feels good.

• Pick up a stuffed animal, ask a question that it could answer, and write a poem about that answer.

I own a stuffed bear. It looks a bit on the lost side. I asked myself, "What advice would a bear tell you about believing in yourself?" Here's the response:

By HoneyBear

Believe in Yourself

When no honey is to be found

Roar silently

Stand tall; stand proud

Look within

• Make up a concept and write a poem about it.

I asked myself what type of poem a pet dog that is hungry might write. Here's the response.

Anticipation

By Whoof

They'll be home soon.

They'll come right through that door

Scratch behind my right ear

Open the cold box

Make a fire dance

Soon, a million-billion atoms

Drift, flow, rush, seek out every bit of my nose

A cacophony of sizzle:

My ears stand at attention.

There's my piece!

My teeth sink slowly into it.

Steak night!

They'll be home soon

I challenge you to write and share some poetry. I have, and it's improved the quality of my life. Hint: Don't expect to get rich quick. Writing poetry is better for the soul than the pocketbook. If this article is meaningful to you, let me know and I'll share additional techniques.

Copyright 2008 by Alan H. Jordan. Permission to reprint or use in other media in accordance with EzineArticles.com Terms of Service is granted. Regardless of media, the entire article and author information (resource box) must be included.

Alan Jordan has written business books and two children's books. His poetry has appeared in major poetry magazines such as Mobius, the Poetry Magazine. He is an accomplished Software Engineer and Management Analyst.

Visit http://www.LetsBeCreative.org to view Alan's latest children's book The Monster on Top of the Bed. You can view a streaming video of the book and even download an iPod version for free. Also, his book Poetry to Tame the Monsters in You, and Others Too is available as a download from the MultiMedia Library on that site.

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