Martyna Sarnowska

My name is Martyna Sarnowska. I was born in 1985 in Gdynia, Poland. For six years I studied History of Art and Arts in Education in France, England and USA. However, only during the last year of university I realized my deep passion for literature, poetry and writing. At the age of twenty five, I got to understand that reading and writing are for me the closest and dearest forms of art and expression. Since that moment my daily life has been occupied with books, poetry and writing – poems, essays, journals… Recently, I have begun running a book club which enables me to discuss literature with others. Now, in a natural way came the time for this blog – space, where I can share my writing and my thoughts on literature; where I can open up to the world.

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There are some
who don’t necessarily travel much,
and yet you can read them
as if a saga or an adventure novel.

And, there are those
who move around constantly…,
only to be taken in
as a flashy poster or a bulletin.

Gdynia, 2022

The spring calling

As spring arises
I stroll
happily
openly
freely
and I ask
I mutely call
for a poem
to come to me

Gdynia, 2021

With growth comes change

When I were younger
I looked for poetry within me.
Now, I try looking around
to find wider view.

When I began writing
I lived in a closed off muddle.
Now, I try to be clear and open
to let poetry flow through.

Back then,
I fed on fear and confusion.
Now, I try to be up and light and write
from a brighter point of view.

Gdynia, 2021

Peacefulness

I woke up from a deep nap.
The house was quiet.
I made myself coffee
in my favorite cup.

I sat on the couch
put a blanket over my knees
and began floating in my thoughts
like on rippling seas.

I heard my favorite music –
the kind one hears from a lonely boat –
and in this soothing silence
I reached for a pen and wrote.

Gdynia, 2021

A secret

There is something
I am ashamed of
and don’t like to admit to;
something bugging me.

Fortunately, it’s far away.

But, when I look in the mirror
it seems to be
inside of me
and repeat “I’m here to stay.”

It urges me to open up,
reveal the leitmotif,
so that it ceases to be a secret
and turns into light, truth,
and relief.

Gdynia, 2021

Thank you

This morning
my body felt
like a burning kettle.

Nothing –
neither tidying up,
nor yoga,
nor green tea
managed to soothe me.

Then,
you rang the bell,
entered the house,
and smiled –
radiantly and calmly,
and only this
has helped to put me in peace.

Gdynia, 2021

Motivational poem

What is it
that catches your attention?
What makes you feel inspired?
Once you spot it –
frame it, like a precious picture,
and give it proper place
to look at and admire.

What is it
that makes you feel glee?
What do you dream when you’re awake?
Once you define it –
go for it!
For without you
it will never be.

What is it
you love most?
What is your ideal world?
Once you build it –
nourish it, like a garden,
and remember –
you’re in that garden the host.

Gdynia, 2021

Let in change

When I am alone
my thoughts are
in order –
like a bookshelf
with neatly placed books.

Every once in a while,
when I meet Others,
my thoughts become
chaotic.

I prefer to be alone,
with the books arranged,
yet, once in a while,
their order sees change.

Gdynia, 2021

Nightly fancies

Excellent ideas
that come to us by night –
they ought to be put
among dreams.
In the morning,
they turn out to be
only silly, distorted reflections
of the Self.

Gdynia, 2021

Wellness

How I appreciate
the look of your beautiful face –
fresh and full of light,
giving off so much light.

And I hope
that as I tend
what needs to be soothed inside,
my face will become
equally bright.

Gdynia, 2021