For the last few weeks, I have been fortunate enough to facilitate a creative writing workshop for SORT Recycling work-for-the-dole program. At each class 6-8 men and women write creatively and share their work, giving feedback and encouragement to each other.

I have been enchanted by the creative expression of these men and women, each with very different backgrounds, interests and abilities. Their creations inspire long conversations, stories, laughter and questions.

This is the writing of Dan, a young man who has already lived more life than me. He also once ranked 28th place in the world Pokemon championships and has his own YouTube channel:

“THE REMINDER”

From womb to tomb we depend

A family name to represent

Minds think thoughts alone

Til’ the ocean takes us home

Emotions collide

Thoughts and feelings intertwine

Invincibility youth take to bed

While vulnerability leads ahead

Time we try to escape

Trying to find a better fate

But in the end there is dark

The flame of life without a spark.

This is the writing of Ben, a young man who grew up in remote North Queensland and Ireland who at first described himself as “uncreative”:

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when the new sprout stands tall and strong in the ground? and giving is loving and loving is sharing but keeping is dwelling and depriving and past? itis now (our time moves forward) o, itis spring goodbye the pretty birds; the wind whispering to wings goodbye the little fish; the sea current silent to scale (so the mountains are dancing, dancing eternal)

If the eyes are a window to the soul, one’s writing is a painting of the emotions, thoughts and memories within.

What is stopping you from writing ?