What About Poetry

[Deborah Simpson, Author]

What About Poetry
By: Deborah Simpson

Poetry is the inexhaustible vehicle that allows the progression of the otherwise undecipherable to flourish into meaning. It is the uninhibited expression of the mind’s eye and the heart’s fervor. For centuries, people have been writing verse to demonstrate their feelings, their thoughts and passions. The mystical pen finds its home within the hands of the thousands weaving the intricate details of their world onto paper. For those of a structured mind, the forms of poetry (i.e., Haiku, Bio, Burlesque, Cinquain, Ekphrasis) provide for the ease of thoughts to run free within a suited environment. However it is written, poetry is and will always remain the unimpeded language of virtual thought and feeling.

What, then, may hamper the flow of a poetic expression for a reader? Many people have different theories regarding what is ‘good’ poetry and what is ‘mediocre’ poetry. However, there are a few designates everyone can agree on.

What ruins an otherwise fluid poem? The number one select is spelling errors. There is nothing more frustrating than reading a piece of well-documented poetry and coming across the proverbial “teh” instead of “the.” Or, the classic ‘made up word.’ I have come across many poems that have ersatz words, and I am not speaking of the purposely written poems in that respect. I am speaking of the poems that for whatever the reason, the poet could not figure out the exact word to be used, so instead, fabricated one. Misspelled and/or invented words are degrading to the expression of the poem.

Another nomination for how to impair the expression of a poem would be to write with raw emotion. The one that reads like a letter, to the ‘ex,’ for example:

How could you hurt me like that -
All I did was love you -
How dare you do that to me -

This example is boring, lacks insight and depth, and is merely a thought written on paper. Simply writing your emotions on paper, even if you set it up to look like a poem, is not a poem. The above example is nothing more than someone writing about raw thoughts. It is neither original, nor is it poetic. Another prime paradigm would be, “My love withered like a rose.” This is a very monotonous phrase. Also, be very careful when rhyming. An example of what not to do: “And when it was time to go, oh how the wind did blow.” This is extremely dull.

What makes for a good poem? Remember that anything worth while takes time. Write it, read it, edit it, re-read it. Make sure you have no spelling mistakes. No one is above the editing. You wrote it, yes. Now, it is time for you to read it as an outsider. Do you like it? Is it the most accurate depiction of what you meant to say, or could you have said it better? When writing poetry, remember, you are not restrained to your current vocabulary. Use the Thesaurus, it is your friend. Use the dictionary, it is your guide. Venture out into new territories. Write about obscurities, not just your emotions. If you are writing emotionally, try taking your writing to new levels. For example, instead of saying, “Your love healed my broken heart,” try something like, “Your love caressed my doleful core.” Challenge yourself to write beyond your comfort zone. Write when your emotions are at a lull. For instance, write down the first 5 or 6 words that burst into your head. Give no second thought to them, and let your pen guide you.

Write to be disentangled.


www.deborahsimpson.org

[Deborah Simpson, Author]

I couldn't agree with you more David! Poets - it is not enough that you write and post your work. What makes a successful networking community is your comments (praise or constructive criticism). To make this community fluorish, you need to not only post your work but offer your opinions of the work of others. A community does not work on its own, it requires its members to take an active role.

[Alan D. Busch]

David ... precisely!

I came to this room in the hope of becoming a much better poet and writer because I felt there would be folks here who could offer civil, constructive and honest suggestions. So i invite one and and all to react to my postings helpfully and honestly. if you don't like it, say so but explain the "why" too.

Alan D. Busch

[Alan D. Busch]

Hi Deborah,

I believe as a general rule of thumb that a good poet knows how and can say much with few words, otherwise known as the art of brevity. many mistakingly believe that a poem gets better if the poet prattles on interminably ... as i seem to be doing here on the merit of brevity! :)

Alan D.Busch

[Deborah Simpson, Author]

Please join the group, The Poetry Addies© - I have posted an interactive editing project that only works with 100% participation. I will post online projects for everyone to take part in one per month to give everyone a chance to participate in the current writing project.

See you at the addies!

[Irene]

I agree about the spelling mistakes. I believe another annoying mistake people make is the over long poem that never seems to end. Very boring as the reader loses heart reading it and decides to skip to the punch line at the end.