Elizabeth G. Howard

I started writing Demand Poetry because there was something missing in my connection with readers.

Not all writers are solitary introverts in their garrets.

It’s hard to predict just exactly what a reader wants. I know most editors would say: it’s not a good idea to let the reader dictate to the writer!

I don’t take dictation when I write a Demand Poem.

I just listen to the person who has asked for a poem.

I meet them in the place they have arrived that day. Where they are curious. Where they find themselves with something to say to someone they love, yet are not quite satisfied with the way they have said it themselves.

Because though we still have access to wonderful love songs, we are losing our love letters.

We are very busy writing status updates and tweets and posts and texts.

So that’s what I am offering when I say:

Would you like a poem? 

It’s the chance to co-write a love letter.

It isn’t meant to be pretentious or frightening or strange.

It’s just my way of saying:

Hey. I know you have things you want to say.

I know you’d like to tell someone how remarkable they are.

I know how to help you with that.

It’s Ok to say: Yeah sure. I’ll have a poem.

—

I will be reading live with some other awesome poets at Artists & Artisans in Paradise, August 24, 11 a.m. and creating Demand Poetry from 11:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Paradise Green, Stratford. See you there. Limited poems so come early!