We’ve all heard it said a thousand times
Poetry isn’t just stuff that rhymes.
And though it’s anathema to me
I’m reluctantly forced to agree.
Poetry can be many things it seems.
Like a distillation of our special dreams.
Free verse, blank verse, limerick or sonnet
A definition – We’ll never agree upon it.
But something with which we should all agree
There are some things which are NOT poetry.
An Olympic athlete may be poetry in motion —
Is Michael Jordan a poem? – Perish the notion.
Sheer poetry might describe a Picasso brushstroke.
But calling Guernica a poem is beyond any joke.
There’s poetic beauty in a crafted aphorism.
Yet calling THAT poetry would provoke an almighty schism.
Lets finally use some of our un-common sense.
Don’t call everything poetry because that is dense.
A picture’s a picture a saying’s — just that.
You can’t call them a poem unless you’re a P . . . hilistine.
Author notes
I joined this site a few years back when most of the offerings were reasonable approximations to poems. They may have lacked the rhymes, rhythms and structures I was taught at school but at least they were capable of being considered poems.
Now when I log on and click on a title I don't know if I am going to get a song, a picture, a coloured pattern, a story, a joke or maybe a poem.
As companions to ALLPOETRY there are sites for stories, sayings, philosophies, quotes all linked at the bottom of this page.
USE THEM
Leave this page for poems!
Comments
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Good rant! Poetry should be poetry on a site that is called allpoetry! ***Pam***
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Thanks pam.
Glad you liked it. I find a written rant helps me let of steam safely
Jim
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Another beauty, I've caught that you like using the word "distillation;" it's okay, I would too.
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You caught me!!
"a distillation of our special dreams" was taken from my own poem "I am not a Poet" as you spotted.
You win todays special award
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
Jim
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You are so right on this! Thanks for sharing your views on this! WAY TO GO JIM!!
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Thanks for your thoughts on this one.
Jim
PS On reading it again I saw I had credit Guernica to Dali instead of Picasso . . . oops
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Well shared ...
and a poem that may open a few eyes ... either way, the writer must keep writing and all the rest will sort itself out in the end. Reading old poems helps stimulate a sense for poetry but when it comes down to it ... poetry is an art and not everyone can draw! joy
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Thanks Joy,
It is nice to hear from a kindred soul.
Jim
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Your words were true
what's a poet to do
You don't have to rhyme
but a "poem" you should find!
Loved this!!
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Absolutely correct; a poem you *should* find!
And thanks for commenting in verse.
Jim
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Spot On...
If this site continues like this they should change it's title. They are misleading people.
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Good idea. Perhaps we should call it "Allsorts"! Bags me the minty ones
Jim
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and so say all of us. bravo
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Thanks for your support passim.
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nice!
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Thanks for stopping by.
Jim
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That is an interesting point, and you make it with distinctive style. There is much that can be called art, but only some of it is poetry. Unfortunately, much of what is posted here is neither art nor poetry.
I plead guilty to some of the misdeeds!
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Thanks for reading and writing. This was a private rant at first but I thought it worth sharing. I have clicked on what I thought were poems here and found all of the above. How can a picture be posted as a poem if it doesn't use words? OK "A picture is worth a 1000 words"
I am off again sorry
Jim
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Well said, that's why I don't log on as much as I used to!
Ann
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I am glad you logged on to this one anyway Ann. Please don't drop off altogether, your work DOES classify as poetry.
Jim
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Hear hear!
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Thanks for the encouragement Anemone. Now if only Kevin et all would agree
Jim
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I Agree
Very well done, it hits the nail squarely on the head and drives it home. I really have an admiration of your linguistic ability. I know when I log on to your page that I am going to get a poem. Thanks for your consistency, you have earned my respect.
Bless you Jim and have a great day.
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Thanks for reading my little rant Cap'n. I am sure there are many readers AND potential readers who are put off by the way things go.
Jim
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I agree that allpoetry has much more to offer the writer than simple poetic pages.
I have seen poetry
in the way a youngster displays
a natural talent to sing.
I have witnessed poetry in many things.
But with all we have to offer here,
I fear we've mixed the mediums,
and need to realign this space
to be a poetic place.
Thanks for letting the reader know their options. Excellent!
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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Thanks for stopping by Renee.
As they say "All that glisters [sic] is not gold" Our cavalier use of poetry is even worse than misquoting the bard.
I like your final lines
But with all we have to offer here,
I fear we've mixed the mediums,
and need to realign this space
to be a poetic place.
Jim
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