Poetic Fashion Options

[Guest_Don_*]

I know - I find it hard to not use complete sentences myself in poetry, for they seem to cause the most nits.

We don't cut out those words in normal conversation - so why do we in poetry?

Good question!

~Cleo

Hi Cleo,

At least in the U.S. most everything is becoming more casual to the blurring of what we what to know from others via their dress, for example.  Poetry and prose are being equally blurred.

Outside of complete sentences in poetry question, if we listened to anyone converse in ryhme extensively we would be irritated to point of avoiding that person.

For a while the differences between poetry and prose are important.

Don

[Guest_Don_*]

Someone asked way back what is the other topic.  We have not discussed in depth the originality issue.  I wish I could remember the name of the famous poet that was exceptionally original.  He was original to the point hardly anyone knows his name anymore.  Since I started out hardly known I have saved shoe leather walking the circuit.

Jox's experiments with words changing on display is a modern capability. He uses shape and changing shape if I remember correctly.

There are primarily two types of originality.  Simply to be different and to establish a monument for posterity.

Don

[jgdittier]

Dear All,
I haven't attempted prose and so my comments only refer to poetry. Then again, perhaps they should be more limited to light verse....
However, I believe the current thrust that takes the writing of both prose and poetry to promote terseness justifies deep thought.
I see it as practical for prose in that prose is the language of law and clear communications and as such should promote full understanding with efficient usage of words.
Poetry contains a far greater element of beauty at the expense of clarity and terseness. Thus I reject the thought that terseness should be an element of poetry.
I believe the commitment to terseness results solely from the modern attitude about poetry, that is, IT SHOULD BE MORE LIKE PROSE!
I want my verse to be as far removed from most elements of prose as possible. I want it to sing to you. I want it to make you smile. I want it to appeal to your emotions. I don't want its form to be restricted by a long list of no-nos that make accomplishing those goals more difficult. Terseness in poetry is to me an intolerable and valueless constraint.
Read Longfellow's "The Day Is Done". It is chock full of little, unimportant words, "the", "of", "and", yet for me, its perfect simplicity and sincerity penetrates my shell and so represents the essence of what poetry should be.

I don't know who the folks are who are considered the Shepherds of poetry, but I am not one of their flock!!!
Cheers, Ron jgd