Guest Blog #5: Word on the Street writing group

Since 2015, State Library of Queensland has partnered with Upbeat Arts (formerly School of Hard Knocks) to host the Word on the Street creative writing program. The group meets weekly at The Edge Mezzanine. Word on the Street is a creative writing course that helps participants find their voice on the page. Upbeat Arts delivers tailored arts and cultural programs, for artists and educators to work with marginalised communities, promoting social inclusion, positive mental health and overall well-being.

Meet the participants – Jenny Tunstall

About Jenny:

I like cats, cooking and crochet. And I’m partial to parsnips.
I intensely dislike the noise of leaf blowers.

Jenny’s involvement with Word on the Street:

This is my second term in the group. The atmosphere is positive and supportive, and I find great joy in creating and playing with words. Also, it surprises me what comes out of the end of my pen, stimulated by the variety of exercises we are offered.

About the piece

I was thinking about what happened for me in the creative writing group when I was engaged in writing. Many thoughts and half-thoughts float through my mind, but only some make it to the page.

Shining a Light on Thinking

Squeamish, beamish light

feebly illuminating my reflections.

Reflections wavering as in a mirage –

too ephemeral for harvesting.

They flicker in my consciousness,

Becoming thought – spores that

disperse across my mind.

So many are lost –

withering in turbulent winds,

falling on rocky ground.

Would that some take root

and mushroom into notions

that have form and clarity,

And one can but wish for

a modicum of profundity.