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In the realm of poetry, each writer navigates their own unique creative process, facing various challenges along the way. Meg Freer, a talented poet known for works such as “tick more slowly,” “Seeking Balance,” and “A Wheelchair named Prudence,” shares her experiences and inspirations. Her journey, from writing in silence to exploring the delicate balance between fact and fiction, provides a glimpse into the mind of a contemporary poet.
The challenges of writing
For many writers, the environment significantly influences their creativity. Freer finds that while some may thrive with background music, she requires a tranquil space devoid of distractions. She notes that the greatest hurdle is securing those quiet moments to write. Additionally, she often grapples with knowing when
Finding solace in silence
Silence serves as a sanctuary for Freer, allowing her thoughts to flow freely. However, this need for quietude can be challenging to fulfill in a noisy world. The struggle to find peace occasionally hinders her creative output. Nevertheless, she uses these quiet moments to reflect on her work, enhancing her ability to express complex emotions and ideas through her poetry.
Literary inspirations
When considering books published in the last decade, Freer has a diverse appreciation for various genres. One standout title is Mitch Albom’s The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, released in 2015. This book deftly intertwines fact and fiction, captivating her imagination. Another notable mention is Alexandra Risen’s Unearthed: Love, Acceptance, and Other Lessons from an Abandoned Garden from 2016, which explores intricate familial relationships against the backdrop of nature’s evolving landscape. Freer also holds a deep fondness for poetry, particularly William Stafford’s Sound of the Ax: Aphorisms and Poems, published in 2014, which resonates with her personal history.
A personal connection
Freer’s connection to Stafford is particularly poignant; growing up, she was fortunate to have him as a guest in her home, as he was a beloved professor at Lewis and Clark College. His influence on her early literary development is undeniable, with his collection A Glass Face in the Rain being one of her cherished first poetry books. This relationship with Stafford exemplifies how personal connections can shape a writer’s journey.
About her poem “tick more slowly”
Freer’s poem “tick more slowly” draws inspiration from a fascinating lecture on gravitational waves delivered by Dr. Barry Barish, a Nobel Laureate in Physics. While attending, she initially grasped the concepts presented, but as the lecture delved deeper into technicalities, her thoughts began to wander. To maintain engagement, she began jotting down intriguing phrases from Dr. Barish’s talk. Upon revisiting her notes later, she discovered a unique opportunity to craft a poem that honored the scientific achievement while capturing the essence of the lecture.
The title of the poem references the concept of time dilation, a phenomenon where time appears to pass more slowly for objects in the vicinity of a black hole. Freer reached out to Dr. Barish to seek permission to utilize fragments of his lecture in her work. His gracious approval further solidified the connection between science and art in her poetry.
Current projects and future directions
As a poet, Freer is currently immersed in what she describes as the “poetry of place.” Recently, she completed a series of poems inspired by a ghost town that was once a bustling mining community near her Montana hometown. Looking ahead, she plans to write a poem inspired by her recent visit to New York City, as well as pieces reflecting the flora and history of Belle Island in Kingston. Additionally, she intends to explore her experiences in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, and is considering a series dedicated to the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Her Montana roots remain strong, so it is likely that more poems reflecting her upbringing will emerge in the future.
Freer’s reflections on the writing process, literary influences, and ongoing projects provide captivating insight into the life of a contemporary poet. Her work resonates with themes of science, nature, and personal history, making her contributions to poetry both meaningful and relatable.