Featured Poem: Alt.Schmerz II

The constant pressure that we go through to change, or become the ‘norm’ in society can be harrowing and cruel. For those subject to these pressures, it can be almost impossible to fight — but fighting is still possible. Alt.Schmerz II is a poem that deals with the idea of fighting these pressures, and showing the world that you’re you, and nobody is about to change that. Written in Italian sonnet-style, this week’s spotlight is on skywalkers. and this wonderful, strong poem.

Give us a quick summary of Alt.Schmerz II

It's a rearrangement of my other poem, Alt.Schmerz, into a more (loose) sonnet-type format. It's Italian-style, though, not Shakespearean, a type of poetry I actually learned about in Spanish before English, meaning that I'm very bad with iambic parameter and often don't follow it; hence the 'loose.'

What is the inspiration behind this poem?

It's very personal. It's not a romance, or about anything romantic, but I was tired of people befriending me and getting into relationships with me with the sole intent of changing me.

How did you choose the title for it?

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (yes, that's a thing) defines Altschmerz as "A weariness with the same old issues that you’ve always had—the same boring flaws and anxieties you’ve been gnawing on for years." I felt like that fit with the overall message.

What was your favourite thing about writing Alt.Schmerz II?

I guess cramming the original Alt.Schmerz into a coherent rhyming scheme was fun. There are some other, more subtle structural changes that I added.

Do you have any writing rituals that you follow when writing poems?

I like to listen to instrumental music; I'm paranoid that music with lyrics might influence me somehow and I'll end up accidentally plagiarizing.

What do you look for when reading works by other site members?

I like originality; I like reading something and instantly knowing that it took a lot of thought, and that it's something personal. It's like I'm sharing a secret with someone I've never met.

Is there anything you would like to say to anybody that reads your poems?

Thank you. I struggle with self-confidence, so the fact that other people might like my work means a lot to me. So thank you.

Finally, do you have any other poems that you think people would enjoy?

For my own: It's a little more prose-y, but Weltschmerz is somewhat of a companion piece. There's also the original Alt.Schmerz. I don't have any other sonnets posted (yet), but a newer poem is Dark Fast Slow.

From others: I've liked A Beautiful Mess by crying_for_COOKIES!, The Willow Tree by death valley, Professor Verbernelaan by my wonderful interviewer, nearly witches, and Nombre by fen'harel. There are probably a lot more, too. There are good poets on Mibba; they just don't get a lot of recognition.

Special thanks to losing control. and lily hughes. for editing!

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