On Humorous Poetry

[ofcatslives]

Since I have an almost unnatural adoration of cats, T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats was a real joy for me to read, despite that fact that I am not particularily intersted in humorous poetry. My disinterest lies in my thoughts on poetry. I have always associated challenging words and serious issues with poetry. This, of course is

Comments

[roger_kuin]

Perhaps the challenge in humorous poetry lies in the writing of it, which demands enormous skill and discipline. (As does the art of the great comedian.) And the challenge for the serious reader then is discovering and appreciating the skill and discipline of the poet.

[ofcatslives]

I agree entirely. I should have made myself more clear. I have respect for all writers and I appreciate all genres of poetry; however, I also have preferences. Despite the fact that I may not enjoy humorous poetry, as a "serious reader", I do recognize that there is a challenge in appreciating how difficult these poems are to write.
Once again, you have made me reconsider my original perception of a text and I think you are right. Humorous poetry does not have the same challenges of other, more serious genres of poetry. Nevertheless, it does pose a challenge of its own, to recognize the writer's skill and appreciate the writing process.

Janice

[roger_kuin]

Anyone who can find those websites 'not that fun'? I disagree.
Language point: "Being that" in this usage (your opening) is not English. (It sounds vaguely Gallic.) Your best alternative would be "As" or (better, I think) "Since".

[ofcatslives]

Thanks for the note on my language use.

Those websites are fun, but I think you must agree that they are entirely ridiculous as well.

You seem to be breaking me down here. Maybe I am interested in fun, but I know I am too conservative to really admit it. I like to be viewed as a contemplative and serious person in public; I've found one is received with more respect that way. My fun side is reserved for my inner circle of loved ones; I've always felt they appreciate it more than others anyway.

Janice

Difference is key

[may_posa1]

Hey I say stick to your guns, I think its great, well not great..but good that you appreciate humorous poetry for the poetic skill in writing something that makes people laugh, which is a hard thing to do. You dont have to perfer it, because as you have mentioned you like the more serious side...poetry that not only hits the funny bone but the heart...am I correct on this one?
As for myself I would rather read a funny poem then an emotional one because I find that heavy concepts such as death and love are hard to capture and most likely will not move me, but here I dont have to worry about all that. I can sit back and hope to smile, perhaps giggle even.
But my point is that I support your difference of taste from mine, it heats the mind and boils the blood, something along those lines.
Take Care,
-Lesley-Anne

Re: Difference is key

[ofcatslives]

You needn't worry about me. I haven't given in, just revealed a few things of myself. As 'they' say, "it is liberating".

Janice

[tricia_stewart]

Hi Janice, I really liked your post although I didn't agree with it. What is that saying? Something about not agreeing with someone but standing to the death to support their ability to say it. Anyway, I do agree with your observations of your cat(s?) My Megan displays human characteristics all the time as well. Especially when she wants me to do something that I'm not quick enough doing on my own, like giving her a treat or letting her rip the dangly things from articles of clothing :) All in good fun, but my cat is such a spoiled princess *sighs* don't you just love them? :)

-Tricia

[ofcatslives]

The citizens of Canada thank you for your support of free speech, as do I.

For clarification, I have two cats. Their names are Cleo and Tricky (I didn't name this one, Tricky's friend, a farmer by the name of Mr. Dicky named her. You see, his name rhymed with hers. He thought it was clever and my family and I didn't have the heart to change her name after he so generously handed her over into our care).

As well, I am delighted to see your cat has a proper name, "Megan", I love it.

What do you think of proper cat names? Do you agree with me on that point?

[tricia_stewart]

I agree with you on cats being named real names instead of Fluffy or something like that. However, my idea of what a real name is may differ from yours as I think Rhiannon and Angusal are proper names. A bit old perhaps but I can't help but love the sound of them. My sister has told my on plenty of occasions that my children are going to be beaten up if I give them names like that. But my answer has always been that I'll put them in self-defense classes LOL!

-Tricia