A poet is a man who is glad of something, and tries to make other people glad of it too. — George MacDonald
I read that line this week and stopped.
Not because it was complex. Because it was simple.
A poet is someone who is glad.
That’s it?
No mention of rhyme.
No mention of books.
No mention of talent.
Just… glad.
It reminded me of Proverbs 15:30 ‘Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.’
That little light that shows up when someone has seen something good. The eye gives it away. Joy leaves fingerprints.
You can tell when someone has found something.
You can hear it in their voice. You can see it in their face.
MacDonald is saying that’s a poet.
Not someone impressive. Someone glad.
That changes things.
Because it means creativity doesn’t start with pressure. It starts with attention.
What made you glad today?
Not what should make you glad.
Not what would impress people.
Just — what did you notice?
A yellow leaf catching the light.
A sentence that felt like it knew you.
A quiet moment in the kitchen before everyone wakes up.
Gladness is often small.
But when you stay with it, it grows.
And then — this part matters — someone who tries to make other people glad of it too.
Here’s what I’m wondering: What if creativity is just passing along joy?
What if writing isn’t about being clever — but about being moved? Not writing for virality but for vibration (Hat tip to jessica ann).
When something shifts inside you — even a little — that’s the spark.
Most of us get stuck because we ask, “What should I create?” Maybe the better question is, “What am I glad of right now?”
That’s where the trail begins.
Not with a grand idea. With a glimmer.
The twinkle in the eye.
The warmth in the chest.
The quiet yes.
A poet notices that.
And instead of keeping it private, he turns around and says, “Did you see that?”
That’s all I’m trying to do here.
Walk the trail.
Notice what makes my heart glad.
Turn around.
And point.
If you’re reading this, you can do the same.
You don’t need a title.
Just find something that made you glad today. And pass it along.
P.S. This piece started the same way many of my ideas do: one line that caught my eye, a few quiet minutes thinking about it, and a short written reflection. Practicing that rhythm daily has sharpened my thinking more than any productivity system ever did. Ember is the simple space I built to make that habit easy.
