You tell me

kdnxdr · Sep 11, 2007

Should I continue writing poetry? Yes, I know it's a quirky question but, given all the contrariness of what is or is not poetry, I think it's a valid question.

To date, all I can say is that "I write poetry". I'm not saying it's good or it's bad, it's just what I do. I can't say I write with any specific form but yet, I strive to write to the form my poem determines. Like picking a winning lottery ticket, if by chance my poetry alligns itself to a particular defined form, way cool. Otherwise, I just write.

Should I stop?

(disclaimer: "No, I have not posted this thread in attempts to garner excessive rep points. I am sincerely asking the question.)

A. Hamilton · Sep 11, 2007

I would think it's a personal choice.You could choose to write it only if you gain something from writing it. What that is could be different for everyone. Enjoyment, recognition, enlightenment, monetary gain, release, a means to stretch the brain for other writing, etc. Whatever.
I can't think of a reason NOT to, unless you've just decided it's a waste of time, or somehow detrimental to your other goals.
And besides all that, I enjoy reading your poetry..but you knew that

plnelson · Sep 11, 2007

kdnxdr said:
Should I continue writing poetry?

Dude (or is it babe - I cannot tell from your "name") - I do NOT understand the question!

There's no "should" about poetry. This isn't the USDA or FDA telling you what your minimum daily requirement is to build strong muscles and bones and sense of metaphor!

Write poetry if you feel like writing poetry.

I like to write (as you can tell by my frequent, long-winded postings here and the fact that I have two blogs) . I like to use words as my Lego's, my modeling clay, my tinkertoys; if I write erotic poetry I like to use them as my erector set.

I love the textures of words, the rhythm of words, their mass and acceleration and force.

Years ago I started writing poetry to impress a woman but now I can't help myself - I have poetry ATTACKS - I'm driving to work and I get an idea in my head and I can't start my day at work until I write a draft and email it to myself at home!

The question of whether I "should" write poetry has never come up.

dobiwon · Sep 11, 2007

kdnxdr said:
To date, all I can say is that "I write poetry".

Are you ready to say "I used to write poetry"? That sounds awfully empty, doesn't it? Doesn't sound like you at all.

dahmnait · Sep 11, 2007

dobiwon said:
Are you ready to say "I used to write poetry"?

That sounds so sad.

And you kd, how can anyone tell you to write or not.

I am quoting because she said it so well.

P.H.Delarran said:
I can't think of a reason NOT to, unless you've just decided it's a waste of time, or somehow detrimental to your other goals.
And besides all that, I enjoy reading your poetry.

kdnxdr · Sep 11, 2007

I read alot of threads in the forums and it seems the same questions keep coming around about form and technical stuff and, with all due respect, I understand it's importance. I'm just not educated about poetry. I've learned more here at AW than anywhere else. (Mainly because I've never really written anywhere else of any substance.)

I guess I started feeling pretentious and stupid because I haven't studied formally. Sometimes, I'm very happy with what comes through in my poems. Sometimes, I know I'm only partially successful. Sometimes, I totally fall flat.

Seriously, I'm trying not to whine. I love AW and the freedom I have just to be myself and write. I don't critique alot specifically because I don't know about the construction of poetry. When I feel I can offer something, I do, usually about what I feel in response to a poem. The technical stuff I leave up to the people who know.

Really, I guess I'm just in some sort of negative jag. I'm sure it's hormonal and will pass.

dclary · Sep 11, 2007

I wrote no poetry at all for more than 15 years... because I felt I was no good as a poet, and that my poetry was all forced.

You know what? It was.

When I started writing poetry again, I found out that not only had my entire outlook on life and the world around me changed, but the wellspring of my poetry had too, and that I was better able to capture the words I needed to say what I felt.

In other words... I once thought I was a poet. And then I wasn't a poet.

And now I am.

kdnxdr · Sep 11, 2007

I appreciate you sharing that dclary. Thank you.

ddgryphon · Sep 11, 2007

You can try, but it won't stick. If you write poetry, then you see poetry and the process of breathing it in and out will always be there. You will be compelled to write poetry after a bit of trying to NOT write it.

dahmnait · Sep 11, 2007

We all get there kd. To add to what ddgryphon said. Poetry is more than just words on paper. It is about what you see, feel, breathe, live. Poetry is more than just construction and form. It is the ability to travel, to teach, to live a lifetime in a single moment, or a moment in a single lifetime. Form and construction comes with practice, but the feel of poetry, that ability to breathe poetry out of the very life that surrounds you, that is the true core of a poet. Without that, form means nothing. And from what I have read of your poetry, you breathe just fine.

moblues · Sep 11, 2007

Keep writing poetry, kid. Don't worry about the technicals. I enjoy your stuff.

Mike

plnelson · Sep 12, 2007

kdnxdr said:
I read alot of threads in the forums and it seems the same questions keep coming around about form and technical stuff and, with all due respect, I understand it's importance. I'm just not educated about poetry. I've learned more here at AW than anywhere else. (Mainly because I've never really written anywhere else of any substance.)

That may be part of the problem. Try to find a poetry group in your area. I'm in one in New Hampshire (Poets Unbound) that meets every week. We read and critique each others' work. Also, consider going to some poetry workshops. I just started workshopping last year but it's fun and you get to meet other people from other places (poetically and geographically) and it's very stimulating.

I guess I started feeling pretentious and stupid because I haven't studied formally.

I'm confused - why would having not studied formally make someone pretentious? Usually it's the other way around.

Sometimes, I'm very happy with what comes through in my poems. Sometimes, I know I'm only partially successful. Sometimes, I totally fall flat.

How do you imagine this differs from any of the rest of us?

Magdalen · Sep 12, 2007

Maybe you are in a bad stretch. Maybe you are in self-doubt mode. I will look for your old poetry threads.I did find this thread. So what has happened to make you change your mind?

Oh my gosh, no publisher could ever pay me enough, should that day come, to match the value of this event! Wahooooooooooooooooo!!!!! This is one poet-mom who is doing the "high dance"!

Now, the teacher and I, via e-mail, are working out an event that incorporates kids/parents and a poet coffe house night, beat-nik style, to get it going as a community event!!!

POETRY ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

plnelson · Sep 12, 2007

Magdalen said:
POETRY ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmm. Poetry rocks. What would poetry rocks be? People write their names or initials or love messages or obscene graffitti on rocks all the time. Sometimes they paint the words on; sometimes they carve them. So why not write poetry on rocks? A little haiku on each small stone. Or do it like a Burma Shave commercial, one line or stanza on each rock. Or design the words so the rocks could be arranged in different orders to produce different poems with different meanings. You could write poems about the rocks they are on - a jagged sharp rock gets a jagged sharp poem. What would a poem about a smooth, well-worn rock be like? You could put the words on an obvious place where someone would see it as soon as they glanced at the stone or on the back or bottom of the stone so they get a surprise. Anyone who goes about turning over stones should be rewarded with a poem.

. . . you know this is how poetry attacks start.

Priene · Sep 12, 2007

dobiwon said:
Are you ready to say "I used to write poetry"? That sounds awfully empty, doesn't it?

I used to write poetry. Life isn't so empty now. Not like living down a well or a stretch in solitary.

Sometimes it makes me wistful and sometimes, yes, poetry tempts me to return, but I probably won't. I used to be a poet, that's all.

kdnxdr · Sep 12, 2007

Hello Priene,

I hope you do write again. I hope to see some of your stuff here at AW.

kid

JRH · Sep 12, 2007

Everyone has dry spells occasionally or feels the need to take a break and recharge that spark of inspiration, but for those who have the inner need to express themselves, (and your Poetry says you do), then there is no such thing as really QUITTING.

You have your Photography, at least, as an alternate outlet, so, if you absolutely need to, turn to that for a while and come back to your poetry when the time is right.

I've been fortunate as I have a number of creative outlets including Photogaphy, Painting and Songwriting, as well as my Poetry, so when I temporary burn out on one, I simply turn to another for awhile and I've yet to experience a time when my "Creativity" dried up completely.

Just remember, that, even if you should stop writing for a while, there is no reason that you can't keep connected with Poetry by hanging around here and absorbing whatever lessons/insights that we might, (accidentally or intentionally) impart.

Think about it.

Jim Hoye, (JRH)

Priene · Sep 13, 2007

kdnxdr said:
Hello Priene, I hope you do write again. I hope to see some of your stuff here at AW.

Thanks for saying it, but I'm not sure. It's been a few years since I wrote my last poems, and when I look back at them, the author appears to be not-quite-me. So I'd have to either rewrite them or stand by work which I don't fully believe in.

Or I could write new work, but my WIP is exasperating enough on its own.

CurtisPutnam · Sep 15, 2007

kdnxdr said:
Should I continue writing poetry? Like picking a winning lottery ticket, if by chance my poetry alligns itself to a particular defined form, way cool. Otherwise, I just write.

Should I stop?

Being a poet is like being anything else you wish to be. It is a matter of doing something on a regular basis. No one "just writes" poetry. Like plnelson said it is a matter of getting it out of your head. (Poetry Attacks) Something akin to a belch, it eats you up if you don't let it out. Frankly I don't see any problem with not overly studying poetry. Sometimes it only stultifies and slants someones veiw of what the muse gives us. Write what you want and call any part of it poetry. Just don't ever give up being you.

Cleveland W. Gibson · Oct 7, 2007

I'd say continue to write poetry.
But indicate to the reader what you expect as feedback.
I came across a poet who written close to 400 poems but never had an published. My suggestion on one didn't go down well as apparently only God and that poet were allowed an opinion on the poems. Reviews had to be only good or bad without any suggestions aimed to assist in getting the work published.
http://linktiles.com?tile=641

Little Red Barn · Oct 7, 2007

Kid, yes you should continue, learn and grow. You like it--do it!

poetinahat · Oct 7, 2007

CurtisPutnam said:
<snipped>
No one "just writes" poetry. Like plnelson said it is a matter of getting it out of your head. (Poetry Attacks) Something akin to a belch, it eats you up if you don't let it out. Frankly I don't see any problem with not overly studying poetry. Sometimes it only stultifies and slants someones veiw of what the muse gives us. Write what you want and call any part of it poetry. Just don't ever give up being you.

Some of us aren't this way; it must be a question of one's purpose in writing, as well as one's skill and talent for writing.

For the most part, I have to start writing and attract an idea to the words. I do it because I want to write poems, and I think it's very much worth striving to write good ones. I don't usually find writing poetry to be cathartic.

Also, like belches, writing just to get it out of one's head may feel better, but not everyone else may agree that the product is worth sharing. Writing to get it out of one's system doesn't absolve the poet of responsibility for making the words read well. If your poems are born fully-developed, then that's wonderful. I'd probably envy you if I could imagine what having that feeling is like.

But mine come pieces at a time, and they're sprawled all over the workshop. I haven't put a whole one together in a while, which is maddening, but I'd rather wait than put out things I wouldn't recommend anyone to read.

ETA:

I'm not a born poet, but I'm becoming one. That suits me fine, and I'm not giving up.

To answer the question:

kdnxdr said:
Should I stop?

No 'should' about it. Do what feels good; you can always start again. I bet you won't be able to help it eventually.

Voyager · Oct 7, 2007

As a fan of poetry who doesn't write it beyond the odd dirty limmerick, whatever the process, keep writing. There isn't enough poetry out there, and even less good poetry. I don't know anything about rhyme or meter, I just know what I like when I see it, and more often than not, it's something that speaks to me and makes me think, that's EXACTLY how I feel. I love to find a phrase or a line or an entire poem that is so stunningly written I go back to it over and over again just to stare at it. Please give me more to stare at.

kdnxdr · Oct 8, 2007

I've been embarassed to reply to this thread. I was in a real funk when I posted.

All I can say is, thanks for the kick in the pants to quit being a whiner.

You people are great!

kid

Jenny · Oct 8, 2007

I think the funk grabs us all some time. I'm glad it didn't win. Write on

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