What comes to mind when you see this word?: Poetry.
Do you think of a rhyming scheme where the end of each line rhymes with the end of the proceeding line, or every other line? Do you think of simple nursery rhymes you’ve kept with you over the years? Or do you not think of rhyme at all? Is poetry just some weird way of communicating strange and cryptic thoughts? Is it what songwriters do? And obscure men and women from ages past? Is Bob Dylan a modern day poet? Emily Dickinson felt that isolating herself from the outside world would give her poetry much more significance. Did she succeed?
I could go on and on about the many differing aspects of poetry. My answer to all of the above questions is yes. Poetry is all of that, and more. However, I don’t feel at all qualified to direct an in-depth discussion of form or function. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate its importance as a means of communication.
I hate to admit it but I don’t own any poetry books. As a matter of fact, I rarely even read poetry. Once in a while I’ll come across one of Dickinson’s or Whitman‘s that I find particularly moving, but I couldn’t tell you the name of the poem, nor when or where I read it.
I’ve written many poems over the years but I don’t think of myself as a poet. I think of myself as a writer who sometimes writes poetry. One of these sometimes has occurred recently. Mrs. Elizabeth Tenerelli and I have teamed up to produce a picture book (aka flipbook) of a few of my poems inspired by a few of her photographs. Due out sometime in early March, just in time for spring, I hope it’ll be something that might make folks think about starting a flower bed, writing a poem, or taking a picture. Or maybe it’ll make you think about nothing in particular, and that’s fine. Poetry is different and the same to everyone who reads it.
On a winter day
Snow Blessing
A thick cold blanket
that covers all things.
Against warm skin
it shatters hot thoughts.
This fragile soul
needs protection,
lest it be exposed
and bleed.
Poetry is very nice even though it’s not my thing. Great poem to go with your snow.
Thanks Ms. Tina. It don’t have to be a “thing.” When you come across one that speaks to you, as mentioned by Ms. Marnie, you’ll get a sense of something special.
Congratulations on the publication of your book!!!
I believe poetry is very subjective. The subject has to ‘speak’ to an emotion within the individual or it is almost meaningless. (This may not be a widely held opinion.) A good poet can evoke a mood and create a picture with words. Emily Dickinson doesn’t ‘speak’ to me but I can cry over a Robert Frost poem or laugh at one of Ogden Nash’s.
Marnie
Poetry is indeed subjective Ms. Marnie. And some poems are meant to be meaningless I think.
Ah, such a nice poem, short and simple just the way I like them! I cannot write a decent poem to save my life. Okay, if I really had to save my life, I reckon I could write something that would qualify as Poetry. I will be looking for that book and surly you will autograph it for me 🙂
Thanks Skeeter. “Spring” will be out in ebook format soon!
Good for you, TC! Keep us up to date on the publication of your book. I’m still not sure what makes some words on a page (or spoken aloud) poetry or not. I just know that when I read or hear something I like that resonates in my soul, it’s poetry. There is an award for you on my latest post, by the way.
Thanks for the award Ms. I. I’ve put it up.
I’m not sure what what makes them poetry either. But like you, when they resonate down deep, they must be poems.
When it comes to poetry I had rather write it than read it. Unless it is short like this particular one. I can handle that and the pic goes with it perfect.
Hope you are staying warm and dry up there.
I have many poems Ms. Susie, but not all of them are worthy of being read.
Great poem and photograph!!! Leave the light on for the muse…
She needs no light Ms. Elizabeth.