Unlocking the Creative Voice of Introverts Through Poetry
A few months ago, I attended a modest gathering of design leaders where we discussed the connection between poetry, imagination, and design. During our conversations, one of the leaders mentioned, “I am an introvert. Expressing my inner thoughts through poetry is not easy for me.” I was surprised that a person who had led a global design team at a very large corporation expressed the shortcomings of being an introvert. Though I was curious to probe deeper, I allowed that comment to settle in my subconscious without judging it or seeking any clarification.
A few days later, while sharing my poetry with another friend, they remarked, “I am an introvert. I can appreciate your poetry but have never tried writing one.” This time, I asked, “Why have you not tried to write a poem?” They replied, “Writing poetry is like revealing very intimate thoughts in public. It’s hard for me to even process my own thoughts and feelings, let alone share them with others, which makes me feel very vulnerable.”
I have also met several friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who have spontaneously responded to my poems by reading one of their own, previously tucked away on paper or hidden on their phone. They thanked me for providing a space where they could share their poems without feeling shy, hesitant, or vulnerable. Each of them felt freer and stronger in expressing their inner thoughts and memories.
This morning, I woke up thinking about all the introverts I have met and wondered how many of them feel constrained by their introverted nature. Does it limit their creativity? Does it impact their ability to build authentic relationships? Does it impair their ability to overcome their sense of vulnerability? Does it affect their performance at work?
In search of answers, I turned to the internet. I found a lot of content explaining the strengths and weaknesses of being an introvert, but none satisfied me until I came across “The Introvert’s Anthem” by Kevin Rudolf on YouTube.
Two phrases from the song resonated deeply with me: “Maybe It’s Time” and “Rule the Night.”
Those who feel constrained by being an introvert should find a time when they can safely and comfortably face their own thoughts and release them in the form of poetry. Over the past four years, as I have written and shared my poetry around the world, audiences at my poetry reading sessions have told me that my poems echo their own inner voices and connect with their life experiences. Reading poetry to a stranger feels like pouring one’s heart out without fear of judgment. Maybe it’s time to give it a shot.
I interpret the phrase “Rule the Night” in the introvert’s anthem as an invitation to express oneself when there is no one to judge — to create something from the void, where there is nothing else to compare.
Creativity cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conformity and judgment. Introverts possess a wealth of unexpressed ideas, wisdom, and untapped creativity. It’s time to tap into it.
I hope you will enjoy watching “The Introvert’s Anthem.”
