I’ve been noticing all sorts of cool things recently – all about poetry or literature, of course. And I realised, as I looked into two in particular, that the green-eyed monster was approaching. Standing just behind the initial appreciation was that secretive beast: envy.
He stared out in silence as I read all about The Poetry Pharmacist who travels all around to hand out poems in response to various ailments. And there’s a book of course. I want to do that! I heard myself say.
He smiled and shook his head as I read about The Emergency Poet who recently opened a storefront (and adorable) space in Shropshire – consulting room with velvet couch, open mic events, and books lining all the walls. And there’s a book of course. I want to do that! I heard myself say.
But the more I looked, the more the green monster began to frown and back away. Because I was slowly learning how to find joy in someone else’s success. I’m trying to turn envy into inspiration that can push me onwards in my own literary journey. Hey, I could find an empty shop unit and dispense poems to passersby. I could drive all around the country to find people who are hurting and offer words to heal. Who knows what the future holds?