Poetry should be fun and easy

[Ken Corbett]

I feel poets should use short simple words, ones that everyone can understand.

When I studied poetry in school, the poems were difficult, and there was supposed to be some meaning somewhere between the lines. My teacher would ask, “What is the poet trying to say?”

I think that’s how poetry got a bad rap. Poetry shouldn’t be work, the poet should say exactly what s/he means. Sure, the use of rhythm, the choice of words, and the timing all play a part, that’s what makes poetry.

The art comes in the expression … the ability to communicate a picture and a mindset with the right words, in the right way, easy to read, easy to see.

Okay, I’ll climb down off the soapbox now.

What do you think?

[Elle Rush]

I think all good art shouldn't be strained--- though I do believe in revising, revsiting, editing,
etc. I think that the initial expression should be true to the voice, whatever that may be. I have been known to use more formal language in life, in speaking, at times... I think for every Poet, that tone can change and vary somewhat, but the voice is the same. I hope I am conveying what I am trying to convey.. supper is on, lol.. a bit distracted.
I get your meaning and for the most part, agree.

[david]

This is a very interesting discussion...

When I write, the first draft is emotion. Lots of times I'm not even sure where the idea or words came from when I'm through scribbling. Sometimes the words that come out are short and simple, while other times they're more "flowery." It depends on the feel and tone of the piece when it's in my head.

But I think I know what you're talking about, Ken. I can remember studying poetry in high school - Browning, Tennyson, etc. - and wanting to spit because everything seemed so convoluted. I distinctly remember wondering if their main goal was to try and impress with their vocabulary...Then, when I read Robert Frost for the first time it was the feeling of someone pulling me out of a soupy, overcooked mess! PS - With a few years under my belt now, I can better appreciate Brownie/Tenny and the gang

I will say this - I think in most cases, the first word that comes to mind is probably the right one. If you have to pick up a thesaurus, you're probably using the wrong word ... I also think that good fiction writing, poetry, etc. is emotion, and re-writing is the craft that refines and shapes all that emotion.

Like when a potter throws a slab of clay on the wheel, those are the words, but it's the refinement and sculpting of that initial output that (hopefully) turns it into art. In other words, to me, the true art of writing is re-writing. Only God gets things right the first time...

I wrote this kinda fast, and I know there are several holes to be filled, but I think what I'm getting at is you've both got a good point

[Ken Corbett]

Nice points, Elle, David.

I especially like the pottery wheel image. For sure, re-writing and re-editing are important, too. Many times I read a poem that could be so much better if just a few minor points were fixed … especially awkward line breaks. I try to keep one thought to one line. If a thought needs to go to two lines, I try to break the line into two at a spot where each can stand on its own as a distinct piece of information.

This helps with the rhythm of the piece. Rhythm is not just ‘musical’ continuity, it’s also logical, sequential structure of the verses. If I am reading a poem, and the line breaks become confusing, I don’t usually make it to the end of the piece.

I also prefer short stanzas. If the stanzas are too long, there's no chance for the reader to rest his eyes and pause to think. If I have to look away for a break, I lose track of where I am on the page and in the poem.

If I rewrite a poem, I try to provide an easy path for the reader to follow from start to finish. If I can plant a few flowers along the path, well, that’s nice too.


Ken

[david]

Well put, Ken.

I agree, for the most part, with the line breaks and rhythm of the piece. I have to admit that sometimes my line breaks are based on how I heard it in my head and what ( I hope) makes the most impact - almost as if the line breaks were a form of punctuation in a dramatic reading, where some parts are emphasized, some aren't and still some others are made more ... visual or gripping (at least in my mind) by setting the words or maybe a phrase apart on a different line.

Does this make sense, or does it sound like so much psuedo-artistic BS?

[Ken Corbett]

David:

Well, not BS, it sounds like you are being careful to structure your poem for the most effective impact. I think that jives with what I'm saying.

It's that last bit of care that imparts a natural flow to your verses and makes it easier for the reader to grasp your intent.

I know I'm guilty of publishing my poetry prematurely. That's why you'll almost always see the telltale "last edited" footnote on my entries.

Ken

[david]

Don't beat yourself up too much, Ken. Lots of guys have trouble with PREMATURE PUBLICATION ;D once in a while - myself included.
God, isn't it frustrating to work your tail off on something, tweak it, think it's just right, post it...and THEN you see all these things you STILL want to change??

GRRRRR

[Elle Rush]

;D lol, well, poetically and otherwise I'll admit to no such thing!! But then again, I guess it isn't as much an issue for me, non-poetically speaking, that is (haha)
I enjoy the dialogue about how we all arrive at our creations.... poems are like children, we birth them, tend to them, influence them....
and they don't talk back, though I wished they could!

[PoetOfSerendipity]

OK... this is going to be more of a brain dump than well thought out response.

I'm not quite where you guys are at yet. I'd LIKE to be concerned about publication someday, but today my poems are first and foremost a way for me to express thoughts and emotions that might otherwise remain hidden... even from myself.

My poems are therapy for me... mostly they express strong feelings. I guess from that point of view, they are enjoyable to writeI hope to over time be able to create poetry over more subtle feelings (e.g. waking up and hearing the wildlife while camping..)

I expect I will over time focus more on making SURE they're presentable to others... but even then... i think it's ok for some poems to ONLY be understood by those who have been in the same situation that drove you to write the poems.

Personally, I LIKE simple words in poems that together weave a tapestry of life... words that can touch everyone.. not just the VERY literate.