Notice how our world places such entitlement to poets without equally inspecting the quality and the uniqueness of the writing? There's just something in the name that has an automatic response of the spectacular. My friends and acquaintances know me to be on the sunny side of most subjects, but in this arena, I must say that after 47 years of reading, writing, and reading more, though I am pleased to see new genres, I’m also a bit jarred at some generic output. Let me explain first by defining what poetry really is- paraphrased by me..of course!
I believe that poetry is the song of thought and life into words, best written in shorter lines which is what separates it from the prose form. Unlike prose, the full bounty, it’s like the pulp and heart of fruit, the concentrated portion and nectar of the thought, purposely written in brief clips for eye appeal and dramatic attention. The fat-sieved meat of the mind placed into nicely presented bowls. It is also the kind of writing which is easier to remember in song. Singables or quotables, as it were. Now on with the subject at hand.
We live in a society that provokes us to more dialogue. Dialogue mediates itself to the world through entertainment in commercialism from the very water we drink, to the services we are offered for improving our lives. Though this thrusts a loud scream to more creativity than ever, it also can easily break some tangible rules, pervert a few roots, and thus, change the profile of excellence as a goal. it’s not one person’s fault, but I can share what prompted me to write this column.
If you’ve ever read some of the classic greats, you’ll see there is just as much reflection to the society they lived in which inspired their writing as there is now. Only difference is the vicissitude (variety, diversity) of each one aspect stayed pure and more true to itself. For instance, until the turn from the 19th century there was an outstanding value to morals and spiritual need . It was a welcome to read some traditional and fundamental poetics referencing the beauty of the Gospel. In the following verses of “Part IV of Bethlehem, Canticle 33”, Herman Melville boldly and eloquently writes:
“But on the third day, Christ arose;
And in the tow He knew, the rite,
Commemorative eager goes
Before the hour upon the night.”
At that time, it was easy to detect the desire of the ages by the number of publications. It would have been a worthy investment since it was intimate and keepsake type literature; especially with the melody of poetry, it was considered a professional endeavor that brought to life the things which the reader would like to see in print.
Equally, in the mainstream of homestyle writing, the secular side still mentioned the love of nature but in a way that “romanced and danced" before the heart rather than cluttered the page with ornate words that were more prevalent among the business and societal rhetoric of regular prose. This example would be from James Whitcomb Riley-
“Old Crick”
“Oh, the old swimmin’ hole
Where the crick so still and deep
Looked like a baby river
That way laying half asleep.”
That is one of my favorites. Cute, huh? One nearly smiles reading it. It makes us wish that we knew him. By the level of language, it’s possible we could have seen him walk out in his backyard, and he may have not been very comely in appearance. He’s one of many who probably didn’t have to try as hard. So many of those who used their life styles , religious beliefs, and natural surroundings for inspiration to write poetry, were people with fewer delusions of grandeur. It was a frugal lifetime with less pretentious means. The write was raw, and not as diffused.
Now let’s go to the underground, and give it a go. Here’s what I found on a site where there were supposedly the ‘best’ poems selected for online and open circulation. I chose the last stanza from Randy McCreary’s ,“87”, because it was as tight from the beginning as it was through the end, therefore ,more potent.
“I’d walk behind the head of the class; eavesdropping
on the Facts of Life....shudder when I heard your name dropped once.....or twice
I guess Koolaid became too sweet a drink for the boy who dug Pretty in Pink and traded in his silver glove for a taste of what he thought was love.”
The form and the"....(dots)" bothered me a little, but it was okay for the most part.
The following piece received Number One and with many C.D. Awards:
Although I don’t believe as he does, it is not bad, really.
Tony B. Consciuos for "G.O. D (Gift of Divinity"). Notice how familiar his rhyme scheme is. It's probably set to a beat music, perhaps for rap.
“See, we can all walk on the water and part the seven seas
Give sight to the blind and even cure all disease
Stop any famine, or do whatever we please
As long as we are truly connected and we sincerely believe.”
In philosopy of content, I’d hoped he had a deeper , more fixed conviction about what he believed in spite of his wide acceptance of others . In this sense, it appears to be another commercial endeavor by touching bases with all of anybody who believes anything at all. He didn’t have to water it down so much. My opinion.
In our time, we’ve got so many great poems floating on beautiful lily pads waiting to be delicately chosen by the maidens of the fields, only to be drowned by too much rushed and watered -down thought , thus easily snatched by the prolific and plagiaristic frog. This reason might have much to do with being dry in spirit. I know it is for me. I have to get away for awhile when that happens. That’s why I no longer believe in writer’s block. In my experience, it’s a very special and reverent pause to realize that half of the write is coming from the journey of some trial, tribulation, or joy which takes time. Therefore, the writing is really taking place in the doing stage. It just hasn’t made it to the paper yet. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t write our thoughts down as often as possible. It just means we might be trying to frustrate ourselves by the expected output that others are giving, or we are rattling on something that isn’t ready yet.
Now for the prognosis of such bedfellows. I would say, we should read more. Then read some more. Go to the library, fish around for some books that describe the subjects which you like. Watch for the signs of real and heartfelt experiences by meditating on those things. We need to be honest with ourselves if we’re writing poetry as a shining art form and separate those from our rants. After all , even with the compassion I’ve had for mine and others’ angsts, there’s more therapy around us than we have illnesses! Living, creating, and reading what we’re living are some of the most effective tools to the mastery of what we, as poets and writers want for what I call "high and uncompromising beauty, no matter how much darkness one must first sink into”.
Keep on keeping on and stay away from imitations. They’ll not only betray you. They’ll sink the Bismark of your dreams. Metaphorically, of course! muse
Bless you all !!!!
.."In our time, we’ve got so many great poems floating on beautiful lily pads waiting to be delicately chosen by the maidens of the fields,..."
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Outstanding Article. Well done.
Kudos on the syndication. This is a great viewpoint on the limits and lack thereof of writer's block. I myself view writer's block as an inherent bane on anyone who wishes to express themselves through the form of art that is writing. Poetry is an outstanding medium for which writer's block can fonder on because it takes a lot of deep thought and concentration to produce quality poetry. (At least what the masses consider "quality poetry", that's a whole nother topic in and of itself.) I've suffered writer's block only a few times in my short writing career, and I can say that every poet should not fear it, but rather, respect it. Writer's block is nature's way of waking you up. You need to spend the time to write constantly. You need to gather your thoughts around one central point or image. Only then can you produce the best pieces of art, which are buried deep inside that mystery that is the human psyche.
Once again, just my 2 cents.
~The Sleepless One~ -
This is a very true column which I enjoyed reading- especially the part about reading. What separates my favourite poets from those that I don't like so much is the amount of reading they do (and yes, you can tell as it comes out subconciously in your own words). A wonderful column and an interesting exploration of poetry- keep up the good work
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Yes. You spelled it correctly!
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Yes. We all need to find our own voice. It is hard though not to imitate those you admire (in my case, Sylvia Plath). When my well has gone dry, I tend to feed off of her poems (and also some of my favorites on this site!) I do believe it is very tempting to water things down in order to appeal to everyone. I am guilty. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! (I think I spelled that wrong lol) Some great thoughts here.
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Cookie, I guess everyone has a style were all different, but I liked how you decribed poetry being fruit and the meat of fat lol... Well I surely don't need sometimes that extra fat to much isn't good though when its all balanced it turns into a nice dish.....Love you
Sherry~~~~
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Cookie: Thanks for this link, I have will read it tomorrow and comment on it, right now I just had a fantastic date with my boyfriend and want to right poetry. Priorites, tend to my muse first and read later.
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very educational...glad i stopped by to check it out...i shall not commend you as you need no commendation...but will let you know this just encourages me deeper to continue...(and better myself) cause what would i be doing if remaining the same?
thanks again
peace
chris
Edited on Jul 18, 9:18 p.m. because ''. -
A very credible article/statement on the state of poetry and its potential.
Good job, Cookie.
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You have written something of importance here. Brava!
Poets are varied in content, thoughtfulness and construction, but are always striving for the unique even when they fail. I believe in the process and am never afraid to reread what I have written and tinker around with it even after it has been posted...I do it all the time. Just as life is a journey, so is poetry. LEARNING about the craft IS important to participating in it.
A person needs to learn the rules of the trade before they undertake the process of it. Great artists learn from masters and then as they evolve, they create what is their own. What only they could have created themselves. If not, then they are only shadows of the master who taught them and have contributed nothing new to distinguish themselves from all the other imitators of that master.
What I look for in reading poetry is truth. Truth of emotion, truth of experience, truth that conveys the real person that is writing the poem. If these are present, I can tolerate a few trite phrases and be understanding of a developing style. I better be! I am only doing the same thing myself!
I guess I am saying that poetry should breathe. It should have life in it that is undeniable as truth. -
Articulately expressed, your response to the article embellishes my very thought, and now took it to another level. I'm pretty sure I understand what kind of statement you were making, only poetry is so >>!! that is harder to define, for we are considering not just the art form itself, but how we can really REALLY write something of quality that will impress us, will push us up an extra rung, and even inspire us to responce poetically as well.
One of my favorite Playrights, Neil Simon, exemplifies life in a more melodic, sing/song way by putting its journey in action, the tid bits of quick humor that throw off a perfect scheme ( obscure, but equally as important) and in smaller lines of dialogue, provokes a rather poetic style to the drama. It's chock full of wisdom, which is the kind of poetry that has longer shelf life and is shows us what we are thinking, but didn't know how to say it.
With this, I thank you and everyone else for your imput. I will have to sequel this one, due to other's asking why I skipped this kind of poetry and that kind of poetry. Have a good day till then. Any other kind of comments, please share. I'm sure I may have not covered everything...the reason for the sequel. Thanks!! -
When I say 'you highlighted some interesting topics' some might interpret the opposite of what the words in fact express. But this is not my intention at all. The nature of life, it's pace and standards, perhaps influence most what artist create. Regardless of the fact if one expresses in his / her art a festival of recognition or an adverse reaction as a result of what (s)he expereinces. Society directs and determines and information is increasingly being channeled, condensed over time. It is no wonder it influences us as well. In my view poets (I will focus on this particular group of artists) - at least those who feel poetry has an obligation that is interlaced to it's capabilities, properties and features - is a profound way to explore the landscape of our mind in order to reach a level of awareness that each of us is capable of within the scope of his / her possibilities or limitations. Becoming aware of what our existence encompasses I consider to be the most important thing in life. It doesn't always need to be serious, mundane periods are just as well a part of life as other ones. But being blessed with a talent also means we have an obligation; the greater the talent the greater the obligation. And I think you're absolutely correct about the writer's block phenomenon! No need to worry; everything will take place when the time is right. This includes of course also writing our next poem. Your advise to read more is impeccable. By gathering information we can only deepen our knowledge, which is the portal to awareness, which in it's turn is the portal to wisdom. Thanks for sharing your views that are based on several decades of experience. It contains matter for many to learn from. As did I. Take care,
Rage of Reason -
Excellent
This struck me best:
"It’s like the pulp and heart of fruit, the concentrated portion and nectar of the thought, purposely written in brief clips for eye appeal and dramatic attention."
Tealstear listed this Atlantic Review article under Poetry Advice for Young Woman: Can Poetry Matter?
http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/poetry/gioia/gioia.htm It is a thought provoking piece expanded upon your comments.
I also thank you for your inside out look at poetry. How did you say it: "In my experience, it’s a very special and reverent pause to realize that half of the write is coming from the journey of some trial, tribulation, or joy which takes time. Therefore, the writing is really taking place in the doing stage. It just hasn’t made it to the paper yet....I would say, we should read more. Then read some more. Go to the library, fish around for some books that describe the subjects which you like....Living, creating, and reading what we’re living are some of the most effective tools to the mastery of what we, as poets and writers want for what I call "high and uncompromising beauty, no matter how much darkness one must first sink into....”
Good write up.
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Oh, now, Myra. Now that you've enhanced the part which I've paraphrased, I feel much betta'!!!
Thank you so much for seeing what I do, and backing it up with your colleagues. It means a lot!!
So that's who dunnit?
"Zeus pricks the juice/ Of what kinks the obtuse/
Unlocked and loose/ For men and women's use/"
hehehe..Thank you for the additions. Lovely expose. -
Stimulating and well-worded
Dearest Dianne,
I love the way in which you place little snippets of thought under a poetic microscope.
This article is stimulating and the topic could've made a great workshop. I am impressed by ANY attempt to put words on paper - knowing the evasive nature of feelings ... One of South Africa's wellknown writers, Breyten Breytenbach, once said that the poem is in decomposition as soon as the poet attempt to write it ... But, of course, I am more impressed with the poet that shows the discipline of enduring his/her own persistent obsessional urge to write ... and who even listens to the so-called writer's block, by capturing the emotions behind those "angsty" vacumes of screams.
I've found the most incredible lines in "not-so-good" poems on this site ... and I also found clichéd phrases by the most creative writers ... Nevertheless, the surroundings of thoughts, that is the wordings, do not affect me in the least. I am dumbfounded by the pulsation of passion, whatever the topic/instigating idea may be.
All said, I must be fair and add: a perfect poem (yes, of course it is possible to outshine the fallible self ;)) really DOES thrill me from head to toe, making me quiver like a leave in a breeze ... GRINZ Whether it is my own or that of a co-poet, poetry par excellence must be the ideal.
Yes, indeed - Poetry is a polygamous fellow, and the Nine Daughters of Zeus complicate things even more
Thank you, my dearest friend, for this enjoyable write. Please visit me for tea whenever you feel like it.
Love.
Myra -
bitter sweet is the endeavor of the end of the circle which
we come together in understanding, regardless of the metaphor...
I just try to see the shoes worn and the reflection within
the snow
And I do so much admire your present soul that reflects the light
of a day and smile within the steps you have conquered.
seems the older we grow, the more narrow our path is found
to be the same.
Tamara -
Thank you, Red Stormy. As always, I appreciate yours and anyone else's view. The purpose here, however, wasn't to explore the prose arena. Also, I only clipped the article. You were very observant to see that I only used a few rhyming examples.I would have been more complete in showing free verse, haiku, etc. I had to go with the slant of the subject, rather than the full volume! ;)I was merely trying to exhibit the purity of thoughts to form by sampling old poets to the thoughts of today.
And your sources are correct. Poetry is not lucrative for the most part.
Hope that clears it up. You're terrific!
Love, CookieZeal/Di
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I agree with most of this Cookie, but I see the examples you chose and a little bell went off. Your choices are pieces that Rhyme. Not all good poetry rhymes. Narrative is another example you could show here. Being a prose writer I personally don't see any harm with prose either. I don't write many but I write them. I was recently told by a publisher I know they are actually more marketable than poetry is these days. Just wondering what your thoughts are about this. Respectfully
Red -
Cookie, your writing always inspires me to greater heights. Even when writing something such as this, your metaphors and words of wisdom just astound me. This is informative but so delightful to read, I agree with every word you have said here, of course! Now, I can't say that I always come up with the right product, but I don't want my Bismark sunk, thats for sure, so I will stay at the helm and keep steering straight to avoid the pitfalls of which you speak. You are an amazing woman, poetess, and true lover of God, and I admire you greatly. I feel I have found a good friend in you, and for this I am grateful that I came to this site. Thank you, so much. *rose*
Edited on Jul 11, 8:37 because 'misspelled helm if you can believe that! well, you probably can!'.
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