The Innocent
A closer look at archetypes
Let’s start our archetype-poetry journey with The Innocent. Our first companion on the figurative road ahead – and a wonderfully curious, optimistic one at that! The Innocent is hopeful, forgiving, and sincere. While we might think of people (even animals) in our own life who embody this archetype, let’s take some time here to summon The Innocent for and within ourselves. It can be hard when there is so much going on in the world right now, and we might be feeling the exact opposite of hopeful or optimistic… But I hope these two poems will help:
First Fall by Maggie Smith
Begin by Brendan Kennelly
Prompts
With fresh eyes, look out your window, or walk around your favourite room, or even go for a walk outside. Speak to yourself as Maggie Smith speaks to her baby (‘Look…’). What do you want to draw your attention to? What have you walked past a hundred times and now see differently or perhaps for the first time? Write down your own list of objects, people, nature that you’ve noticed.
Can your bring some wonder into the ordinary? You can simply write a list, bullet points, or free write your observations and feelings.
‘Every beginning is a promise’: How do you find ways to ‘begin again’ each day (or several times a day)? Write down all the ways you might ‘begin’ – perhaps it’s a cup of tea at 11 am to reset when the morning has gone awry (that’s be putting it nicely). What are these new beginnings promising you?
You can write from the perspective of these acts of beginning (what is the shower/cup of coffee/morning walk telling you?), or simply write about how you feel when you start or reset your day – what are you promising yourself?
Take a line from either poem that resonates with you and roll with it. See where it takes you…
Please feel free to share your thoughts or an excerpt from your written response. There’s no judgement here. We’re not looking for perfection or edited drafts. Have either of these poems sparked anything within you? I look forward to reading your words!
Grace.x
Edit (July 20th): I feel the subscription model on Substack can be limiting. I certainly can’t afford to subscribe to all the inspiring accounts I follow — I wish I could! So I’m going to follow in the footsteps of other people here and offer an alternative. Please feel free to send me a tip if these poems and prompts have helped you in any way. With my unending thanks, Grace