So now I have a collection of poetry by Aaron Neville and I give

In the great journey of art, there exists a moment when the artist, having poured their heart and soul into creation, desires nothing more than to share that creation with the world. Aaron Neville, in his reflection, speaks to this very impulse: “So now I have a collection of poetry by Aaron Neville and I give it to people I want to share it with. I’d like to publish it someday.” This desire—to share, to offer something deeply personal—is as old as art itself. It is the heart’s deepest yearning to connect with others, to invite them into a world created from one’s own soul, and to trust that what is shared will resonate beyond the self. To publish one’s work, to offer it to the world, is to give birth to something that transcends its creator, something that becomes a part of the collective human experience.

This impulse to share one’s poetry, to publish it and make it known, is no new phenomenon. The ancient poets understood this urge well. Consider Homer, who, through his epics, shared the stories of heroes and gods with generations of listeners. These stories, passed down orally before they were written, were meant not only to entertain but to inspire and to educate. Homer’s poetry transcended personal experience and became the property of the people, serving as a cultural treasure. Similarly, Aaron Neville, through his poetry, seeks to create something that resonates with others, to touch the hearts of those who will read or hear it. This act of sharing one’s work is a form of giving, a gift that is meant to be passed along and cherished by others.

The act of publishing one’s work is an act of trust—trust that the words, the thoughts, and the emotions contained within the poem will find their place in the hearts of others. In the ancient world, the public performance of poetry was often the only way for the work to live beyond the poet. Take, for instance, Sappho, whose poems were recited in ancient Greece, passed along by her listeners long after her death. Though much of her work was lost to history, the emotional and intellectual legacy she created was preserved in the hearts of those who knew her words. Neville, too, longs to see his poetry published, to see it become part of the shared history of humanity. His desire is not just to be remembered, but to connect with others, to form a bond through the universal language of poetry.

Consider the Romantics, poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who deeply believed that poetry was meant to be shared and experienced. They did not write in isolation, but as part of a movement—a call to awaken the spirit of humanity and reconnect with nature and emotion. In this sense, Neville’s desire to share his poetry is not only about personal fulfillment but about contributing to the ongoing conversation of art, much like those Romantic poets did in their time. It is a celebration of the creative impulse and a recognition that art is not only for the artist but for the people who will experience it and find meaning in it.

In Neville’s words, there is a longing for connection. The act of giving a collection of poetry to someone is not just about sharing words; it is about sharing a part of the self. Every poet, every artist, desires this bond, whether they acknowledge it consciously or not. Emily Dickinson, in her reclusive life, kept much of her poetry hidden, but when she did share it, it was with a clear intent—to let the reader into her inner world. For Dickinson, as for Neville, the act of sharing poetry is a sacred one, an invitation to others to see through the poet’s eyes, to understand and to feel what the poet has experienced. The poet’s words are not merely expressions; they are gifts, given freely, with the hope that they will be received.

The lesson from Neville’s desire to share his poetry is one of vulnerability and courage. To publish is to step into the world and offer your inner most thoughts and creations for the world to see, to hear, and to feel. It is an act of trust, not only in the power of the work but in the ability of others to appreciate, understand, and be moved by it. This is true for any creative endeavor. The act of creating is an individual journey, but the act of sharing it with the world requires bravery. We create not just for ourselves, but in the hope that our work will resonate with others, that it will become a part of the shared human experience.

In your own life, whether you are a poet, an artist, or someone who holds something deeply meaningful within you, Neville’s words offer a powerful reminder: to create is to gift the world a part of yourself. Do not be afraid to share what you have created, for the true power of art lies in its ability to connect us all. Publish your work, share it with others, and allow it to live in the hearts and minds of those who encounter it. Whether your audience is large or small, the impact of your creativity is immeasurable. Just as Aaron Neville desires to share his poetry, so too must you share the gifts you hold within, and in doing so, you will find that the act of giving enriches not only others but also yourself.