https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gambling-addiction

The social issue I chose was addiction, specifically gambling addiction. I chose this issue as it felt close to home with many of my family also struggling with the issue. Me and my family have felt first have felt the consequences of a gambling addiction. I feel as if many other of my classmates can relate to this as betting especially on sports have become very popular. Although they may know about I think most would not know its true dangers and effects and may want to try themselves. I feel that my research can help educate people on the dangers and negative effects gambling has on yourself and the people around you.

The writing process has been very difficult, but enjoyable. I find it hard to get inspiration and struggle finding the stamina and consistency to keep writing when stuck. After writing a few lines I find myself completely stuck and having to rewrite multiple parts of the poem. Although when I started writing more free and letting my ideas flow it became much more enjoyable and got more progress done. This was because instead of stopping myself midway through writing to make something perfect, I kept writing freely and focused on fixing mistakes after.

What has helped inspire you?

At first I tried to write by myself without much inspiration but I didn't get very far doing that. So I researched other poems focused on gambling online. I also tried to visualise myself in the situation I'm writing the poem about and use the physical aspects I noticed and the feelings I felt to inspire me. As I wanted to describe specific surroundings I researched about casinos visual and audio deisgn.

What feedback was most helpful to you moving forward?

I was suggested to instead of exactly telling the audience what my social issue is or the message i am trying to portray but describe it without specifically naming it. This tecnhique is called "show don't tell".

In the bright-lit room where fortunes flicker,

A gamblers trance, a dance with chance

Just one more time, and it will all be mine

Millions on stake, houses at stake

Instead of stating the idea and meaning she is trying to portray Carmen Tafolla uses a pencil as symbolism. In the beginning of poem Carmen Tafolla states to "never write with pencil mi'ja. It is for those who erase." What she means by this is to be bold in your actions and not do things you would regret or try to remove from history. Tafolla also says to "make your mark proud and open" which mean to express your true self to everyone and not hide. Later Tafolla lists mediums to write with "ink, mud.." the poem is not literal in telling her how to write but instead these mediums all represents ways she can express herself.

In my poem, employing "show don't tell" can enhance its impact and enjoyment for the reader. In my poem there is moments where I state exactly my social issue without masking it. In the second line of my poem I say "gambler's trance, a dance with chance" this fully gives away my poems main topic and thus making it less enticing to the reader. Instead I can replace the word gambler with something more broad, for example "player "

Maze

Chaotic

Uncertain

Official

Hopeful

Tense

Listening to the grownups quarreling

standing in the hall against the wall

with my little brother blown like leaves against the wall

by their voices my head like a ping-pong ball

Between the paddles of their anger I knew what it meant to tremble like a leaf cold with their wrath.

I heard the claw of the rain pounce

floods poured through the city skies clapped over me

and I was shaken shaken like a mouse between their jaws

A players trance, a dance with chance

Millions on stake, houses at stake

A never ending maze, one I cannot evade

Eyes blinded by the allure of endless escapes

Lost in the spins, the rolls, the intoxicants

Whispers of connection drowned out by another glass

As I pursue a fleeting dream,

In a labyrinth of possibilities

A families' hopes waste away, unseen

Standing on the brink of possibility, not knowing where to turn, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst