Embracing Spontaneity: The Power of 'First Thought, Best Thought' Poetry
Spontaneous poetry, also known as "first thought, best thought" poetry, is a writing style that emphasizes the importance of capturing one's initial thoughts and feelings on paper. This approach to poetry values authenticity and honesty, and encourages writers to let go of their inhibitions and embrace their natural voice.
The concept of spontaneous poetry can be traced back to the Beat Generation of the 1950s, a group of writers and artists who sought to break away from the constraints of traditional literary forms and embrace a more spontaneous and improvisational style of expression. One of the most influential figures of this movement was Allen Ginsberg, who popularized the concept of "first thought, best thought" in his writing and teaching.
According to Ginsberg, the "first thought, best thought" approach involves letting go of the ego and allowing one's unconscious mind to guide the writing process. This can involve setting aside preconceived notions about what a poem should look or sound like, and instead focusing on capturing the raw, unedited thoughts and feelings that arise in the moment.
The result is a type of poetry that is often raw, emotionally charged, and deeply personal. It can be an effective way for writers to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions, and to connect with their readers on a deeper level.
One of the key benefits of spontaneous poetry is that it allows writers to bypass the critical, self-editing part of their brain and tap into their creative unconscious. This can result in a more authentic and honest expression of the self, and can lead to more meaningful and impactful writing.
However, it's important to note that spontaneous poetry is not without its challenges. It can be difficult to maintain the momentum of the writing process, and it can be tempting to self-edit or censor one's thoughts. It can also be difficult to craft a cohesive, well-structured poem when working in this way.
Despite these challenges, many poets find that the rewards of spontaneous poetry are well worth the effort. It can be a powerful and transformative way of writing, and can lead to some of the most honest and emotionally resonant poetry.
Here are some tips for writing a "first thought, best thought" poem:
Start by setting aside any preconceived notions about what a poem should look or sound like. This approach values authenticity and honesty, so it's important to let go of any self-censorship or self-editing.
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on your writing. Some writers find it helpful to meditate or do some deep breathing exercises before beginning.
Begin writing down your thoughts and feelings as they come to you, without worrying about structure or grammar. Don't worry about making sense – just let the words flow.
Keep writing until you feel like you've captured the essence of what you want to express. This might take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on your pace and the complexity of your thoughts.
Once you feel like you've captured your initial thoughts and feelings, take a break and come back to your writing later. This can help you get some distance from your work and allow you to see it with fresh eyes.
When you're ready, read through your writing and see if there are any themes or patterns that emerge. You might find that you want to rearrange some of the lines or add in transitional phrases to help the poem flow more smoothly.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches or techniques. You might find that writing in a stream-of-consciousness style works best for you, or you might prefer to focus on a specific theme or emotion. The most important thing is to stay true to your own voice and to let your thoughts and feelings guide your writing.
Remember, the "first thought, best thought" approach values authenticity and honesty, so don't worry about perfection – just let your words flow and see where they take you.
In conclusion, spontaneous poetry, or "first thought, best thought" writing, is a powerful and transformative way of expressing oneself. By letting go of preconceived notions and allowing the unconscious mind to guide the writing process, writers can tap into their raw, unedited thoughts and emotions, resulting in authentic and honest writing. While it can be challenging, the rewards of spontaneous poetry are well worth the effort, and can lead to some of the most emotionally resonant and impactful writing. So why not give it a try and see where your thoughts and feelings take you?
This article was written in a response to our community question ‘which topics would you like us to cover on our blog next year?’ If you have a topic you would like us to cover, leave a comment below and we will try our best to cook something up for you. Thank you Howard Young, for your inspiration for this article.