As a result of close-minded teachers, Jane Briganti tells us, art took a back seat in her life for many years. I'm sure many of us can relate to that, and part of Write Out Loud's rationale is to provide a platform where poets can grow in confidence and enjoy the work of others. Here's your opportunity to enjoy Jane's poem Second Chances and her answers to our Q&A.

What got you into writing poetry? How long have you been writing?
I fell in love with poetry after being introduced to the works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Frost in high school.  I've been writing ever since. I must thank everyone at WOL for their support because the encouragement I have received from fellow writers has changed my life.  Since joining WOL I have grown as a writer and have had eight poems accepted for publication.

Do you go to any open-mic nights?
I have not had the opportunity to go to an open-mic night but it is something I would like to do.  Now, that I am planning to return to New York, I will put it on my agenda.
 

What’s your favourite poet/poem?
I enjoy reading the works of contemporary poets but I do not have any particular favorites as of yet.

You're cast away on a desert island. What's your luxury?
Leave me on a desert island with pencils, paper and the man I love!  Thank you WOL for changing my life!

Second Chances
by Jane Briganti

Second chances
don't always come
We want them
we need them
but still sometimes
opportunity leaves us
behind
 
We look
to the Universe
to guide us as we go
waiting for a sign
 
To open
a new door
one must close an old
This is often
painful
as stories
do unfold
 
A second chance
must not
be ignored
it may never
come again
 
Show the Universe
you have faith
move forward
without looking
back
Trust your destiny
to keep you
on track
 
Close the door
behind you
and throw
away the key
Bury the past
it wasn't meant
to last
 
Second chances
don't come
easy
One must
search their
heart and mind
putting their
soul out on the line
 
Face fear
and uncertainty
of the unknown
Accept the truth
where you are now
is a place you have
out grown