Sabattical

I have decided to take a break from writing poetry. This decision has been coming for quite some time, and tonight I decided to make it final. I need some space from my writing, to better evaluate why I'm doing it in the first place, and if I should keep going at all. I genuinely appreciate the support I have been given, and I am not taking a break due to a perceived lack of interest. Simply put, I am in a very turbulent period in my life, with many changes of situation just behind me and just ahead of me, and I find it difficult to write without having that stress and angst bleed into my poems. While poetry is certainly capable of expressing emotion, I have found that it is best not to try and express emotions when you are in the middle of emotions, and that means I need space.

I do have one request of you, my reader, should you be willing. I ask that you write me and let me know honestly what you think. If you appreciate things I have written, would you try and tell me which pieces and why they had an impact on you? If you feel that I'm really just not that good, would you try and find a tactful way of saying that as well? If you are willing, please use your name when you comment, or, if you are unwilling to comment in public (perfectly reasonable), email me at william.hierholzer@my.wheaton.edu. I should be clear - I do not mean this to be a pity party, I'm not saying I'm going to give it up entirely if no one says anything - I am trying to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and, more importantly, to deal with other pressing matters and responsibilities.

Thank you for your time. May God's blessings be with you.

Will