Poetry promotes healing and unity

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The spoken word can often fade away, but the written word may endure forever. That's the philosophy of Wikwemikong poet, Melissa L. Manitowabi. The young mother and entrepreneur has recently embarked on a publishing venture designed to promote family unity and individual healing.

Although Manitowabi has been writing poetry seriously for three years, her business named Meli's Poetry was officially launched Nov. 1. The home-based business produces plaques, book markers, scrolls and calendars for gift giving and commemorating special occasions.

With help from a start-up loan through the Wikwemikong Development Commission, she hopes to expand her distribution.

"I receive a lot of positive feedback from people in the community," she said. "It feels good to know I have captured what they wanted to say in a card. It is great to be able to give voice to feelings that others share."

Writing is therapeutic for people on a healing journey, she stated. "Express your feelings; it is the only way you will ever get heard. Repressing feelings is hurtful; if you hold it inside, eventually you get angry. Poetry lets you release any stress you have in your life."

"People ask me to do verses for anniversaries, for a renewal of vows, for wedding invitations, graduations and birthdays," she added. "I do it for people's enjoyment; it feels good to reach people through my words. The reward comes from touching people and from getting my work out there."

Too hesitant to share her writing during her high school years, Manitowabi has overcome her fears. Winning an American poetry contest this year gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her dream. "I find poetry a good way to express myself," she said. "Eventually I hope to publish a book of my poems."

One of her poems is featured in the anthology entitled Voyage Out of the Darkness, and next year another will be published in Chicken Soup For the Mother and Daughter.

The dominant theme in Manitowabi's writing is the importance of communication and understanding. Her two daughters Kayla Marie, 11, and Shaneka, 7, provide inspiration for many of her verses.

"I write about love and feelings," she said. "I talk about the importance of family."

Her strong affection is evident in a verse entitled Remember. She encourages her children to seize the opportunities that the world offers without fear. "Always keep your head up high and always remember who you are."

Maternal love is also celebrated in the poem A Child's Love. Speaking from the child's point of view, the poet pleads, "Take joy in my very existence so that I will grow up to feel special and know that I am loved."

Manitobwabi's belief in poetry as a means of self-discovery shines through in a powerful piece dealing with alcohol addiction.

In The Bottle she describes how the craving "for one last sip" creates a raging monster that lashes out at loved ones.

Above all, the message is a call for forgiveness and acceptance.

For other young writers wishing to expand their creativity, she advised, "Do a lot of research and find the style of poetry that suits you. Find out what really speaks to you. It is better to express yourself on paper rather than only through your voice; words can go away but writing will stay there forever. It is permanent, something concrete to hang on to. It is also an intergenerational gift that can be passed along."

Manitowabi grew up around computers, so she feels comfortable with programs such as Microsoft Publisher and Print Artist. "It is a full time job printing, laminating and making plaques," she said. "I draw my own designs and scan them in; I also purchase some Native theme clip art."

She has a sample book to show prospective customers. Bulk orders and discounts are available too. A Web page is also in the works. The products are currently available in three outlets on Manitoulin Island but she expects to put up displays at trade shows and craft shows in the future.