"Poet Speak"

[aldecoary]

When writing poetry, I have learned--for this day and age and for the particular style we are in--we must do away with "poet speak." That means, no romantic language, ballads to tree stumps or the like. Very depressing (and just one side, I'm sure). So I have some examples from my own writing that can help tighten up a poem and make it more

Comments

[blck_phnx]

Yes, ok...but what if sometimes we do speak in that manner? (I know I do for fun sometimes...) Especially your prof's---as long as a little explanation or story follows that line, it sounds natural. "Upon my walk along the trickling creek I saw a deer and three squirrels" or something like that. I think...

[aldecoary]

That's what the poem did. It continued in that vein for awhile. I'm saying, that when you tell a story to someone else, you don't speak like that. I know you don't; I've heard you tell stories. You say things like, "Guess what I saw? A deer and three squirrels!" Say it aloud and it becomes less natural sounding, I think.

And you're welcome to disagree. I myself love the romantic poetry. But if you write this way today, you're not going to find much audience or publishing or respect because of an entire literary history I can't go into. And no, we don't write for that reason. It's hard for me to even say more of what I mean...okay, it's like we're in the middle of a time in history. We are in post-Modernism (if you believe in it) or even after it into something as yet unnamed. Literature, as with most things, moves onward in time. To write like that harkens back to the past, which is natural. But those who move onward are those who are remembered. And maybe you don't want to be remembered either, though it more than just being

[blck_phnx]

I live in the wrong time period...*grumble*

Colloquial? I thought we weren't supposed to be colloquial. Isn't that the usual complaint? Stuff is "too colloquial"? (Am I remembering this word correctly?) *is confused*

[aldecoary]

There is a difference in essays and creative writing.

[garowyn]

So, poetry does not have to be as complicated as it seems, eh?

Thanks for the tip!

[aldecoary]

Nope, it surely doesn't.

You're welcome!

[generic_hero]

Are you at all familiar with beat poets? It's some of the rare modern poetry I can read.

[aldecoary]

I know of them and just read a piece of Ginsberg's Howl, but I cannot say I am very familiar. You like the style, then?

[generic_hero]

I've not read very many of them, but I like what I have read, yeah.

[aldecoary]

That almost seems strange, coming from a professed hopeless romantic. ;)

[nachzes]

TmT But that's so...so...modern! Whatever happened to chivalry and romance and brave knights and all that stuff?!

Oh, woe. The romance is dead. *tear*

You'll always be in my heart, Mr. Treestump.

[aldecoary]

*cries a tear for it as well*