Last week, I went hunting through my attic for Davie Bowie memorabilia. I was writing an essay on Bowie–one of my favorite musicians of all time–and wanted to add some pictures. Well, I did find a few things, and you can read the completed essay here if you’d like. However, I also came across an old literary magazine from my college (The Alembic, Providence College) that contained a couple of my poems written in the mid-eighties.
Reading them was a little disturbing. At first, I felt like I’d run into a old friend from whom I’d been estranged for many years. And yet, after reading the poems a few times, I was able to bring myself back to those days when I was terribly insecure, secretly ill with an eating disorder, and desperately trying to figure out who I was.
I got a little sad too. I wish the Mary Jo (that’s the name I used back then; it’s short for Mary Joanne) of the mid-eighties could’ve looked ahead a bit and seen that things got better. But then again, who’s to say what the next thirty years will bring?
Anyway, here’s one of the poems, called “Party Girl.”
See what I mean?
Now it’s your turn. Do you have any old writing that makes you cringe in some ways but also helps you understand yourself and where you come from a bit better? If so, please dust it off and contact me at mary@pocomotech.com. I’d love to feature your work in this Throwback Writing series. Poems and very short fiction will probably work best, but excerpts from longer pieces will also be considered.
Thanks! I look forward to reading your old stuff!
MaryRowen.com 
Hi Mary,
I’m interested. Just let me know when and word count. I’ll dig something up J
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Hi EC! Yay, I’m glad you’re interested. I’d love to feature your work. I guess it’d be best to keep the word count somewhere between 1000-1500 words, but if you need more, that’s OK. The post should include your throwback work and a little blurb about it. Pictures welcome too, but not necessary. And of course, you can feature your books and other links at the bottom. Just send email to mary@pocomotech.com when you’re ready and I’ll get you scheduled. Thanks!
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Mary Jo – your poem’s not bad at all. I can see the potential genius! The poetry I wrote as a teen really stunk!
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Aw, you’re nice Jan, but I think the operative word is “potential.” As in, I’m still waiting! I’ll also bet your teenage writing’s a lot better than you give it credit for, and if you’re up for sending some, I’d be thrilled to feature it!
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What a great idea Mary!
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Thanks, Irena! If you have anything, send it along!
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What an awesome, awesome idea! I am sure I have something to pass along in the spirit of creative bravery! AWESOME ! 🙂
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Oh, I hope you do, Sheila!! Can’t wait, you brave, creative soul!
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You know what, I’d LOVE to participate in this! I took creative writing in high school as part of obtaining English credit. I have a whole collection of the poems I’ve written: sonnets, ballades, free-verse. I wrote a play, too, but I can’t find that one–and you wouldn’t want it! 😛 But I’d love to send you something.
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That’s great, Scarlet! I’d love to feature you. When you’re ready, please send your piece, along with a brief description of what it is/why you wrote it, etc., some bio info and a headshot. Also, any social media links you’d like to include, and/or links to your book (s). Thanks!
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Will do. And you know what: I found all my creative writing–including some very short stories. Perhaps I’ll send one of those. They’re not long at all! Can’t wait. 🙂
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Sounds perfect, Scarlet. I look forward to reading!
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I found my old short stories from high school. My teacher wanted me to go into English in college, but I graduated in art and became a medical illustrator. All these years later, I found my passion as a writer. Ha!
I think that poem is so Goth, dark and amazing!
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Thanks so much, Susie! And I’d love to feature one of your stories in this blog series if you’re up for it. I just checked out your blog and love it. What an adventure you’ve had so far. I look forward to reading more!
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Fantastic! Thanks so much. I would love to guest post. I’m up in the mountains right now, but will have to dig it out and read through it again. Ha!
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Awesome, Susie. Whenever you’re ready, just send it over. I look forward to it!
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I love this, Mary! Ima gonna find something from the high school archives and send. We are always evolving as humans…and the writing does too…potential stories are everywhere 😘
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That’s awesome, Jackie! It’s so interesting to see where people come from, as well as where we are now. And you’re right–going back can bring out stories that’ve been forgotten. I hope you share something for this series.
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Oh, my, a challenge to dive into the archives, yikes.
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I hear you, Bob. It took me a while to get up the guts to even read my old stuff, let alone put it on my blog. But hey, it’s only writing, right 🙂 I do hope you send something. I’d love to feature you.
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I will be digging around. Actually, I do tend to go to the archives often for my posts, if not for the specific item, then for inspiration.
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