As a birthday gift my brother sent to me a book by Ranier Maria Wilke. The book I received is called Letters to a Young Poet, which is a collection of short letters Wilke sent to an admirer who was looking for feedback and direction.
What is both disturbing and inspiring about Wilke’s responses is the importance he placed on isolation. How he understood the imperative that one should recapture the freedom had as a child. The freedom to release your mind from the anxiety string of the world and let it float away as it was a balloon. Remember those days when you looked in the sky and wondered “Wow”; before you were told to stop daydreaming? Ever since that verbal redirection you began to echo the assimilated others.
Your true voice has been lost for years hidden in the sofa next to the pennies and jelly beans.
To find yourself again isolate yourself for awhile. Separate yourself from electronic tethers like the television and the cell phone. Take only the book that is stored inside of you and realize that you have a purpose, a role in this life, large or small, it must be played. Even if you only have one line, be prepared by finding that voice.
