I have always loved to write even as a child. It is one of my favorite hobbies apart from painting. I started this blog to post some of my work in 2010 under the pen name Helena Malheur in order to better my writing by interacting with other writers and exchanging ideas/critiques. I have posted my favorite poems from writers I admire in the past as well.
A little information about why I chose this particular pen name: Helena (pronounced Heu-le-na) means conscience in Amharic, an Ethiopian language, and Malheur (pronounced Mal-heur) means misfortune in French (a language I love and have been learning for quite some time now). I chose this name because I tend to write dark poetry most times and thought it fitting. A bit dramatic, I know!
I believe writing can capture a moment and make it new again each time it’s read and I have found it to be a cathartic tool in times when one's faced with less than desirable events or feelings; I continue to write for those reasons. My poetry stems from truth or reality. Although, I do have a wild imagination and do write some poetry inspired by it, I prefer writing about something that has affected me in some way -- something that I feel strongly about. I believe if one connects with a piece of work on any level - emotional or intellectual for instance - the purpose of the piece is just that. There has to be a reason for the work. A feeling is created when a piece of work is read and it will resonate with someone... I feel I've been heard or understood if at least one person connects with what I've written. It's my thinking that, we're all in this world to connect with one another and understand why we are here (yes, a bit of philosophy...) and, in fact, I find poetry to be a great tool for people to connect.
I enjoy reading as much as writing and try to keep up with different styles of poetry as well. But, I write more free style poetry rather than anything structured - perhaps that is preference... My influences are Sylvia Plath, E. E. Cummings, W. H. Auden, Pablo Neruda, Edgar Allan Poe and more.
There are a few things I like to do besides write - painting, taking photos etc... Take a look at my amateur art and photos if you'd like. Also, you will find me on twitter @Lady_Malheur where I tweet micropoetry and thoughts. Well, that about covers it. Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to read!
