Writing poetry ... the Self and tradition

Writing poetry ... the Self and tradition: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
When one is compelled to reach for the pen, and to write lyrics and poetry, there are two distinct forces that gravitate toward each other to bring a poem into existence: the Self, and so-called tradition.

The Self is a colorful, complicated, and unique combination of all its desires, dislikes, experiences, likes, losses, memories, motivations, wants and victories … surely you get the idea.

The Self is YOU, and every big and little thing that makes you YOU.

Tradition on the other hand, is another colorful, complicated, and unique combination of all its cultures, expectations, histories, norms, mores, rules, societal influence … surely you get the idea.