Monday, April 25, 2011

U is for Untitled

I put a lot of energy into finding a title for one of my poems. Often, that title search takes longer than composing the poem. When I write the poem, I let it all hang out in a way. The words and images hit the page and, then I let the poem stand with a tweak here and there. When it comes to finding a title, I feel more pressure trying to contain the essence or thrust of the poem in a few words. Chasing that elusive title can be a challenge for me.

If someone would ask me to find the right title for the poem of "me" that encapsulates all that I am, I would have to call myself "Untitled."

Aren't we all happily untitled and loving the flux of just "being?"

Many, many, many positive and unique "titles" float all around you. Don't worry about trying to define yourself with one or two. Enjoy the idea that the true you can't be easily captured in a couple of definite words.

It reminds me of that dreaded interview question, "Tell me about yourself." I would love to answer, "Hang out with me for awhile. You'll get a sense of what I'm all about. Interact with me. Laugh with me. Observe me. Challenge me. I'm a human being. I can't be contained in a title or group of words."

Delight in the fact that we all are dynamic and untitled.

23 comments:

shabby girl said...

I would have LOVED to answer that interview question that way! And what a refreshing answer it would have been for them! Ha!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A very good answer, Loved reading the post,

Have a good day,
Yvonne.

Raj said...

"Interact with me. Laugh with me. Observe me. Challenge me. I'm a human being. I can't be contained in a title or group of words.." so well said Kelly. It's not desirable to put labels for what is essentially understandable and entitled but Untitled !

anthony stemke said...

Good answer. Loved your essay.

Mari said...

I like this! I think that I am untitled and unique!

Laura M. Campbell said...

I struggle often to find the right title for my stories. Personal titles are suffocating. I am going to follow your advice and just life in the now, not the what if. I hate the feeling when others feel you should be something specific because of your age. I'm doing what I want to do, not what society dictates I should do or be. Thanks! Good luck with the last week of the challenge!

Gail Dixon said...

Wonderful post. Titles can be tricky! Great answer on the interview question...even in social situations if I get a similar question I always think "where do you want me to begin?" or "what specifically would you like to know?"

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I loved the answer and would so have loved to be able to say that to an interview panel too. Just immagine their faces. lol. Hugs Carol and GJ x

Caroline said...

I like the idea of being untitled...and dynamic! Happy Monday to you...hope you had a wonderful Easter too!

glnroz said...

"untitled",, indeed a very good concept...

Vicky said...

Such a good answer to that question- I don't know if I would think of the same. I dread that part even on my blog, because I feel I am more than just "my label." Same concept I think! Untitled, has a good ring to it!

the wild magnolia said...

I like the idea that we cannot be pigeon holed, tied to one idea, and are left free to grow.

Great post!

Thank you for sharing.

Angela said...

Untitled...I never thought of it that way, I suppose its because we're always expected to come up with something to specifically describe us. Just being...I absolutely love it! This line says it all: "Enjoy the idea that the true you can't be easily captured in a couple of definite words." I agree with the others, I would love to see the interviewer's reaction to your answer. Loved this post today, Kelly! :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Enjoyed my hug from New York, have a good time, Thanks for the comment.
Yvonne.

Kim said...

Yes Kelly, I wholeheartedly agree with you on this. I used to be so black and white about things - not just my perspective of myself but on complicated human issues. I am grateful that I've learned this lesson, that life is dynamic and changing and cannot be contained.

T Rex Mom said...

Most of my favorite musical works from the old composers are untitled. They just have a number. It really allows one to find the theme for themselves. I bet the same is true for poetry.

Gerri said...

Ooh, I like that. Don't label me, don't put me into a box, I'm entitled to be UNTITLED!!! Awesome. ;)

Diane said...

I like that thought, that I am untitled.... it leaves so much open for what is yet to come. :O)

Rebecca Dupree said...

Love this post! great job!

Michelle Mach said...

Titles are really tough. I think only non-writers think they're easy ("It's only a couple of words, how hard could that be?").

Michelle said...

Ummm I think you just did tell them about you with that little paragraph :) But yeah, that's my least favorite question, too! Here's hoping I never have to answer it again.

Robyn Campbell said...

Agreed. I'm a human. I make mistakes. (Don't tell hubby.) I'm dynamic. I love this Kel. Untitled would be THE only answer. :-)

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) said...

... and the versatility of being 'untitled' is liberating, compared to being titled, labeled, and enclosed!