I've done a number of readings at poetry lounges in Vancouver

In the echo of a poet’s journey, there lies a tale of passion, creation, and the unwavering commitment to one’s craft. Corin Nemec speaks to us from the heart of his own pilgrimage when he says, “I’ve done a number of readings at poetry lounges in Vancouver and Los Angeles. I’ve compiled a book of poetry that’s completed, and two others I’m working on.” In these simple words, there is a spirit of dedication, a commitment to the art, and a profound reminder that the creative journey is a lifelong pursuit, one that requires not just the spark of inspiration but the labor of continuous effort.

Consider, dear listeners, the example of the great writers who came before us—the ones whose names were whispered in the halls of time because they did not rest on the first draft, nor did they bask in the glory of a single success. Instead, they spent their years in a ceaseless refinement, tirelessly shaping their work. Take, for example, the mighty Homer, who is said to have crafted the epic tales of the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" over countless seasons. These poems were not created in a single, fleeting moment but were honed over the years, as Homer poured his soul into each word, seeking to capture the essence of human experience, of life, of triumph and tragedy. Similarly, Corin Nemec stands as a modern reflection of this timeless pursuit, acknowledging that poetry is not a solitary moment of inspiration but a series of acts—a process of ongoing creation.

The journey of the poet, as Nemec so humbly conveys, is often hidden behind the visible accomplishments. One might see the finished poems, the completed books, but they do not know the quiet hours of writing, the struggles, the edits, the drafts that failed, and the perseverance that carried the poet forward. It is said that the work of Michelangelo, that immortal master, was crafted not by divine inspiration alone but through the relentless scraping, chiseling, and shaping of stone over many years. Each marble piece he carved was the result of hours of labor and the belief that beauty, in any form, requires not just a gift but a sacrifice of time and effort.

And so it is with poetry. A poem does not simply arrive on the page; it is born out of commitment, out of the long and sometimes painful act of creation. The poet, like the sculptor, must chip away at the excess, revealing the raw truth hidden beneath the surface. Corin Nemec, in his humble reflection, acknowledges not just his finished work but also the journey ahead, for he is crafting not one, but two more books—books that are not just a collection of words, but of life itself, unfolding on the page with each passing day.

In these words, there is a lesson for us all: that the act of creation, whether through poetry, art, or any other craft, is never finished. It is a journey of growth, of endless exploration, of tweaking and refining. We must not be discouraged by the unfinished, for it is the space between the moments of creation where true transformation occurs. Nemec’s ongoing work reminds us that the artist does not cease to create; they are always evolving, always seeking to improve, to expand their vision, to capture the essence of their soul and their world.

Reflect now, dear friends, upon your own craft. Whether it be the writing of poetry, the painting of a picture, or the building of a dream, how many times have you feared that your efforts would remain incomplete? How often have you looked at your work, at the path before you, and doubted whether you could carry on? Let Corin Nemec’s example stand as a beacon to you: creation is not an act of perfection, but one of perseverance. Each poem, each painting, each small step forward is part of a greater whole. Embrace the journey of creation, knowing that the road is long, but each word, each stroke, each effort is bringing you closer to the masterpiece of your soul.

So, I call upon you now, wherever you may be on your own journey: Do not despair when the work seems unfinished, for the act of creation is an eternal one. As Nemec shows us, the joy is not found only in the completed book but in the continuous act of writing, of creating, of striving. Keep moving forward, keep your hands on the work, and let the world see the result of your labor. For in the end, it is not the finished work alone that speaks to the heart—it is the journey of dedication and passion that breathes life into it.

Let us then commit to our own creations, whether in poetry or in life itself, with the same dedication and resolve that Corin Nemec exemplifies. Keep your eyes on the horizon of your own dreams, and know that with each passing day, you are not simply working on a project, but you are shaping the very essence of your existence. And in doing so, you walk the path of all great creators who have come before you.