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| Bible Poetry General&Philosophical Industry & Work Nature, Desert & Struggle |
Definition of poetry Once published Poem Introduction A poem's Potential The Title Who is a poet? Prose & Poem compared Author's Ego
Definitions of Poetry are numerous; and, you rarely find different poets agreeing. For me, poetry is a means of expressing an idea, emotion or memory (or anything) in a concise way. It may- or may not- be musical, beautifully expressed or even ugly. However, there are certain rules which I follow: 1. Once a poem has been published- let into the public eye- the author can no longer claim to have the only meaning. Each reader may form his own ideas of what the poem is, what it means. 2. When reading out loud to a group or workshop, there should be none or minimal introduction. The poem should be projected as though the world was listening, not present there to hear any explanations. If there is to be discussion, explanations by the author should enter only at a late stage into the discussion. The author's ego can wait! 3. The poem's potential. I love criticism- of a constructive nature. It is by feedback one hears how others recognize your poem. Criticism allows you to edit your poetry, realize more fully the poem's potential. 4. The Title. The title of a poem may be explanatory, allowing the reader extra insight before he reads the poem. The title may be purposely ambiguous. Alternately, the title may be mystifying, causing the reader to pause, say to himself, 'what does this mean'? I treat the title as an extra tool by which I convey meaning into a poem. 5. Who can claim to be a poet? Even though there are poets recognized by others as 'famous', yet everyone can write and claim to be a poet. 6. Prose writing compared. "I looked at the clock. A couple of hours spare to take and enjoy my grandchildren at the playground." Thus wanders my mind in prose. The clock spoke Time to spare Expand the hours Born. A salamander climbs my knees Arms a bracelet round my neck Warm lips wet my cheek. The other, bouncing ball Leads me to Whitened, dusting lines Through the steps of youth. The air sings of joy |