Not all poems are brief and not all of them are hunting your jugular vein but there are ones that get you, that get under your skin, make your shiver and weep or stare into space...
I like this, especially: ‘It is one of the great friendships of this world, that of the reader and their beloved poem.’ But I am struggling a bit with a the idea that a poem isn’t trying to ‘prove’ a point but at the same time must have one. Makes me think of Archibald MacLeish’s ‘a poem should not mean but be’. I think you are in agreement with MacLeish, but I am not quite sure.
You raise a good "point"😉. I think having a point is very different from trying to prove a point and goes exactly with MacLeish's idea. I think the point of a good poem is to entertain, to enlighten, illuminate and connect and should let the reader bridge the gap to make the final connection. If the poem tried to do it all, it would be trying to prove a point and there would be no spark, that arc across the two worlds. What do you think?
I believe that this is the third time this week that someone in my feed has attempted to explain that which is "poetry." Now, talk about a subjective endeavor! despite the fact that the word poetry roots to the greek "poieo," meaning "I create," or "poeisis," meaning "making." Thus, poetry itself is nothing more than one's own god-like creation, or perhaps better said, one's "logos." Nonetheless, I do rather like your metaphor of leading someone before a tree lined field, as that is a rather lovely way of putting it. This also made me dig up an old unpublished poem on this very subject, but more specifically, what is in fact a "poet." So, I thought I'd post the first few lines of this poem that will likely never see the light of day besides this small snippet...
What Is A Poet - By M. M. Lewis
One who sees it, feels it, and can explain it, meaningfully,
One who can speak both elder and younger, simultaneously,
One who observes the ordinary with fresh take,
One who appreciates the vivacity of what rhythmic language can portray.
I really enjoyed this essay. I don't write poetry. I stack up words to help me sort them out. After reading this, I decided to take some advice,and give it a try I am not going to be crying in the gent's room or any room. Thanks for the entertaining lesson.
A poem may well be able to tie its own laces, but we each in our own way, help it to take its first steps. The really good ones sometimes break into a sprint and are gone, leaving us no choice but to revisit.
I agree—a poem should keep something to itself for the reader to discover, to bring her own self to the poem.
!00% 🤝 agree.
I like this, especially: ‘It is one of the great friendships of this world, that of the reader and their beloved poem.’ But I am struggling a bit with a the idea that a poem isn’t trying to ‘prove’ a point but at the same time must have one. Makes me think of Archibald MacLeish’s ‘a poem should not mean but be’. I think you are in agreement with MacLeish, but I am not quite sure.
You raise a good "point"😉. I think having a point is very different from trying to prove a point and goes exactly with MacLeish's idea. I think the point of a good poem is to entertain, to enlighten, illuminate and connect and should let the reader bridge the gap to make the final connection. If the poem tried to do it all, it would be trying to prove a point and there would be no spark, that arc across the two worlds. What do you think?
Totally agree. I just needed a bit of clarification on the distinction. Thanks, Wes!
Writing is like giving birth and the relationship between the reader and writer is an important and separate entity.
Very true Stan, very separate from the writing.
I believe that this is the third time this week that someone in my feed has attempted to explain that which is "poetry." Now, talk about a subjective endeavor! despite the fact that the word poetry roots to the greek "poieo," meaning "I create," or "poeisis," meaning "making." Thus, poetry itself is nothing more than one's own god-like creation, or perhaps better said, one's "logos." Nonetheless, I do rather like your metaphor of leading someone before a tree lined field, as that is a rather lovely way of putting it. This also made me dig up an old unpublished poem on this very subject, but more specifically, what is in fact a "poet." So, I thought I'd post the first few lines of this poem that will likely never see the light of day besides this small snippet...
What Is A Poet - By M. M. Lewis
One who sees it, feels it, and can explain it, meaningfully,
One who can speak both elder and younger, simultaneously,
One who observes the ordinary with fresh take,
One who appreciates the vivacity of what rhythmic language can portray.
That's great stuff, the ordinary and the fresh, the young and the old. Nice, really nice, thanks
I really enjoyed this essay. I don't write poetry. I stack up words to help me sort them out. After reading this, I decided to take some advice,and give it a try I am not going to be crying in the gent's room or any room. Thanks for the entertaining lesson.
What a funny comment. Can you give me some recommendations for stuff of yours to read?
oh, yes. I will look today.
A poem may well be able to tie its own laces, but we each in our own way, help it to take its first steps. The really good ones sometimes break into a sprint and are gone, leaving us no choice but to revisit.
This was a great read, Wes. Thanks for sharing.
Such a cool comment, thanks Kevin.
This exegesis is perfect, Wes, these comments too.
Thanks Patris. I just, on the recommendation of LeeAnn Pickrell, subscribed to Lisa Jensen, solid poet. Let me know...
I will too then!
is Good
(driving up Wes's comment numbers)
Too crazy to follow.
I don’t get that either. And I’m glad I’m not alone.
this poem
so brief
you say
would