There are very few poems I like. The fault in many cases is not the author's but mine as a reader. How does one learn to read poetry? How to analyze it? Critique it? Appreciate it? Is it a developed skill or an instinctual one?
The art of conveying so much with so few words is awe-insipiring. Of course, that feeling only occurs on those rare instances where a poem resonates deep within me. Most of the time I'm simply baffled by the meaning, the hidden agenda buried deep beneath the surface. Am I trying to search out what's not there? Or am I blind to references others would find obvious?
I know very few poets. I tend to migrate toward other novel or short-story writers. These people speak to me on a level I can not only admire, but one I understand. While we may see things differently, I'm confident in my instincts. I know what good prose sounds and feels like, how it flows and ebbs. I can discuss point-of-view, themes, dialogue, monologues, plotlines, motivation, and a number of other writerly topics with some level of confidence.
Change the subject to poetry and I'm done talking. I'll listen but rarely do I comprehend. I have no insights to offer. My incompetence is vast and glaring when poetry is introduced.
Even when I recognize something compelling in a poem, I couldn't begin to tell you why it works. I don't understand the rules, of which there seems to be many. I've heard of them, been forced to study them, but I don't instinctively recognize errors more proficent readers would identify.
Now, this being said, I do read poetry on rare occassions. For my Latina writers class I have read several poems already. I also try to read my friend's poetry; I don't always have a comment but occassionally one will strike me as outstanding and I'll let them know. Today was such a day. I think this is one of the best poems I've seen Crystal write and I hope she's not offended if I point you in her direction.
Lily by Crystal (she's my babysitter! And already has a poem published in an anthology(?) I believe.)
Once again, well done, Crystal! I don't know why it works but it does.
The art of conveying so much with so few words is awe-insipiring. Of course, that feeling only occurs on those rare instances where a poem resonates deep within me. Most of the time I'm simply baffled by the meaning, the hidden agenda buried deep beneath the surface. Am I trying to search out what's not there? Or am I blind to references others would find obvious?
I know very few poets. I tend to migrate toward other novel or short-story writers. These people speak to me on a level I can not only admire, but one I understand. While we may see things differently, I'm confident in my instincts. I know what good prose sounds and feels like, how it flows and ebbs. I can discuss point-of-view, themes, dialogue, monologues, plotlines, motivation, and a number of other writerly topics with some level of confidence.
Change the subject to poetry and I'm done talking. I'll listen but rarely do I comprehend. I have no insights to offer. My incompetence is vast and glaring when poetry is introduced.
Even when I recognize something compelling in a poem, I couldn't begin to tell you why it works. I don't understand the rules, of which there seems to be many. I've heard of them, been forced to study them, but I don't instinctively recognize errors more proficent readers would identify.
Now, this being said, I do read poetry on rare occassions. For my Latina writers class I have read several poems already. I also try to read my friend's poetry; I don't always have a comment but occassionally one will strike me as outstanding and I'll let them know. Today was such a day. I think this is one of the best poems I've seen Crystal write and I hope she's not offended if I point you in her direction.
Lily by Crystal (she's my babysitter! And already has a poem published in an anthology(?) I believe.)
Once again, well done, Crystal! I don't know why it works but it does.
You're not the only one who doesn't get poetry. I so royally don't that I no longer pretend to read or enjoy them. It's like poetry starts and I get white noise in my mental ears--I literally can't hear it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, changing the subject to poetry is one of the quickest ways to get me to either shut up or leave. Or change the subject. I've become good at changing the subject. ;)
I'm not offended at all... actually, I'm flattered Krista! I never thought you'd try to point others in my direction!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, my poem 'As You Bleed' is published an Anthology. I should bring it Saturday so you can read it (it's one of my darker pieces... I don't even know how it made it into the anthology, I hate it, lol!).
Thanks Krista!! I'm glad you liked Lily so much!!
And trust me... I don't even know the first thing about poetry... I write free verse with a slight rhyme scheme. That way I don't have to follow so many rules. *laughs*
-Crystal
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ReplyDeleteKrista, you are so right! Poetry is so subjective I often feel it is another language and that you have to understand the individual concepts before you understand anything.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm not for comforming and I tend to lean towards poets who break the rules.
I talked about this in my own blog at http://tinyurl.com/99rvq because I've been getting confused with poetry a lot lately.
But - I'm breaking out the mould and I have a chapbook of poetry which is coming out in a couple of months - and in its writing, I've broken every poetic rule I know! :-)