Words
in Full Bloom
Madison
area writer Bellile
releases first poetry book
She
reflects on life
through her writing and photographs
By
Lela Jane Bradshaw
Contributing Writer
(October 2011) During their school age years,
many people pursue creative endeavors such as acting in plays or composing
song lyrics. For some, these early activities turn into career paths
or lifelong passions. For others, long hours at the easel may become
fond memories as their lives turn on to different roads of interests
and responsibilities.
While Heidi Bellile had written poetry as a teenager, it had been several
years since she had tapped in to that aspect of her talents. Poetry
had taken a backseat to other elements in her life including completing
a degree in Child Development, attaining a teaching certification in
Special Education, and raising a son. Writing was something she largely
explored through letters to family members.
But about a year ago, her path turned rather abruptly back to the poetry
she had not revisited for quite some time. I just all of a sudden
started getting a creative burst! Bellile explains.
She recalls being happily surprised by the sudden outpouring
of poetry but also a bit baffled. While considering this new found artistic
energy she turned to a friend for advice saying, Its really
sort of blossoming what do I do with it? Fortunately,
that friend was the son of a poet and advised her to start carrying
around a journal in order to record her thoughts and inspirations whenever
they might come to her.
Bellile just released her first book A Walk on the Poets
Edge. The book includes 50 poems that are groups into chapters
on Nature, Challenges, Love and Loss. Bellile has lived on a farm near
Madison, Ind., for the past eight years and finds inspiration in the
landscape not only for her words but also her photography. The book
is illustrated with her pictures from the Heritage Trail in Madison
and countryside shots. While this is Belliles first official release,
some literary enthusiasts will already be familiar with her work because
she has often taken part in readings at the Cultivate Center in Madison.
Belliles first book captures a range of emotions and she believes
her work will likewise evoke a variety of responses in readers. She
describes her style as inspiration based poetry, which she
believes is often the most powerful. Some of the poems are
comic stories, while others take a more philosophical turn. Many of
her works, including some of her nature poems, reflect themes and images
that will be familiar and comfortable to her fellow area residents.
However, she also views some of her works as conversation pieces
as she confronts some complex ideas that challenge readers to examine
their own views about life.
This variety allows her poems to find a home in some very different
environments. Some of her work has been read aloud as part of a yoga
class, its calming tone fitting in well with contemplative atmosphere.
Some of her more challenging pieces may soon show up in the classrooms
of her professor friends looking for new ways to spark discussion in
their classrooms. While she believes some of her lighter poems could
be described as a bit like Shel Silverstein and could appeal
to children, the bulk of the collection is aimed at adults and reflects
on serious issues. She points out that what people will enjoy in a poem
is all in individual taste.
For the poet herself, some of her favorite creations are the longer,
more philosophical poems. Bellile cites the death of a close friend
as one of the events that set off her recent creative exploration and
an entire chapter of her book is devoted to the theme of loss.
The thing I love about poetry is there is so much freedom,
she says thoughtfully. For me it has really helped me work out
issues. She believes writing, art, and music to be be fantastic
outlets of expression.
Bellile is currently pursuing a masters degree in Mental Health
Counseling and sees a connection between her studies and her art.
Belliles creative work has not stopped with her first volume and
she is already planning a second book. She is presently aiming to release
that book next year and believes that it will be more complex,
more of a crowd pleaser. She reflects that the more Ive
done, the better Ive gotten.
For information on book orders or to view
a preview of Belliles poetry, visit: www.xlibris.com.
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