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Open Poetry #46
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Why We Post Poems Here
| Open Poetry #46 |
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Why We Post Poems Here |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada 
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A simple well expressed article I read that inspired me to rekindle the poetic flame. POETS are a mixture of artist and songwriter. Their pens are impelled as much by their hearts as by their heads. Hence, well-written poems can inspire you. They can also make you think, laugh, or cry. The book The Need for Words says: “Poetry is often nothing more than words organised to have a high, sudden impact. That’s partly the reason why great poems . . . are unforgettable in every way.” Beautiful poetry is rarely the work of a shallow mind. Poetry has a long association with what matters most in life—relationships, love, spirituality, nature, and the meaning of life. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that poetry is one of the oldest art forms. Comparing poetry with prose (ordinary written language), one famous poet said that if both described the same thing and were equally well written, “the verse will be read a hundred times where the prose is read once.” As you may have noticed, however, poetry takes many different forms. It may rhyme, or it may not. Sometimes it even seems to border on prose. So, what exactly is poetry? What Is Poetry? The Macquarie Dictionary defines poetry as “the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts” and as “literary work in metrical form; verse.” Note the two key aspects of poetry—rhythm and meter. Rhythm is part of the world around us. We see it in the ocean tides, in the seasons, and even in the beat of our heart. In verse, rhythm is the flow of sound produced by the language; we sense something repeating as we read. Meter is the pattern of rhythm, and it may vary from poem to poem. Another popular poetic device is rhyme. The rhyming elements are usually the last words on a line. Of course, rhyming patterns may vary. Sometimes the rhyme follows immediately on the next line, or it may be delayed. Not dependent on rhyme, Japanese haiku is famous for combining beauty of thought with astonishing brevity. It packs its thoughts into just three lines comprising 17 syllables—5 in the first and third lines and 7 in the second. Its beauty and simplicity have made haiku an enjoyable introduction to poetry for many, even kindergartners. Traditionally, poetry is renowned for compressing considerable thought into few words. The World Book Encyclopedia states that poetic words “suggest much more than they say. They stir your imagination . . . The language of poetry is packed under pressure, and the meaning of a single word may trigger the thought, letting the entire poem explode in your imagination.” Of course, you may have to read some poems a number of times before they “detonate” in your mind, allowing you to grasp their sense. From nursery rhymes to advertising jingles, poetry is a part of our lives. Hence, most people are familiar with at least the basic concepts of verse. But if you want to write poetry yourself, you may first want to read a broad selection of verse. This will help you to grasp the various principles of composition, besides expanding your vocabulary. Of course, you need to be selective so as not to expose yourself to anything that is unwholesome or degrading. Naturally, the best way to learn to write verse is to sit down with pencil and paper and write. In time, you may even be able to write poetry for the enjoyment of family and friends. Why not try putting your thoughts into verse when you send someone a get-well or thank-you card? Your poem need not be long or brilliant. Just write a few lines expressing what is in your heart. The challenge will not only give you pleasure and a sense of satisfaction but no doubt delight the receiver when he or she sees the effort you went to in composing your thoughts in such an imaginative and heartfelt way. You do not have to be a genius with words to enjoy writing poetry, any more than you have to be a great chef to enjoy preparing a meal. Mix equal amounts of desire, imagination, effort, and persistence with the latent bard in you, and the paintings with words that you produce may give you a pleasant surprise. One of my first: You can guess that my daughter is a Daddy's girl....Even at age 36 she is somewhat of a genius at extracting money from me..... SLEEPING IN PEACE A young father bent over a delicate face, Filled with father's pure pride. Seems like yesterday she had replaced, The lonley that childless chides. A small form under the covers so still, Her arm around stuffed teddy boy, A small beauty sleeping tranquil, Stirring to peak father's joy. The sweet sounds of memory tickled his ears, Softly the small infant breathed. His mind's eye recalling through misty tears, The day she came into being. Three dolls on a shelf all crookedly dressed, Alive with games they were one, With wit and charm she laughlingly blessed, Sweet names on each little one. But the years slipped by now she's gone, No ransom to pay for release, Yesterday's memories are time moved on, Now a grandaughter's sleeping in peace. [This message has been edited by ethome (10-30-2010 05:00 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2010 Eric Lewis True - All Rights Reserved | |||
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
"TO HAVE GREAT POETS THERE MUST BE GREAT AUDIENCES TOO" Whitman Thank you for your post. I liked your first poem to your daughter. latearrival |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Very true latearrival. Thank you for giving this a read as an audience. Eric |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Hear hear! Fascinating, ethome... and tender devotion to your daughter/granddaughter... a gift they will treasure, I am sure  Best~ Amaryllis |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
And now a Great Granddaughter is sleeping in peace and they all touch your heart. You said it so well. Ida |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
You always touch our hearts, Ethome... and that's what a poet is supposed to do, the heart, or mind...and when at its best? Both.   |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
(chuckling) now dang... my ADD kicked in and it took me three tries to get through it. Not that it isn't compelling reading, I just got distracted each time I started it...lol well done sir... and well said |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Thank you Amaryllis, I know they appreciate their father/grandfather and I love them both. Eric |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
You're so right Ida they both touch my heart but then that's what life's really about, those you love more than yourself. Thanks for the kind comment. Eric |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I sometimes wonder why I come at all |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Thank you Karilea for the "both" I truly appreciate that. It's been many years that I have read your fascinating writing and always appreciated your love for the craft and your amazing talent with words. You, Marge, Janet, Elizabeth Santos such wonderful fibres of poetic stability among the first I met here and the welcome is still as warm and friendly as ever. I appreciate the visit and the kind words. Eric |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Hey Passing I wonder why you'd ever stay away!! I have always enjoyed your work very much. Thanks for visiting me I appreciate that. Eric Cpat I had to smile at your comment but appreciated it very much....Glad you made it through and enjoyed the read. Many thanks Eric |
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Prasad Nataraj Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149Bangalore,India |
fine tribute, informative article. Fine writing. "Hardwork pays in the long run" |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Eric, it's just not the same anymore *starry starry night, now I think I know what you tried to say to me and how you suffered for your sanity...they would not listen and they're not listening still, perhaps they never will* love you |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
E, I love your explanation and yes, that is why so many write, read and reply here. (and return after an absence) M |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
The daughter becoming a mother with a daughter of her own, looking at her sleeping treasure the same way her father looked at her those many years ago....the cycle goes on. A very nice presentation, sir.  |
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martiniat8 Senior Member
since 2003-06-21
Posts 897Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic |
Thanks for your thoughts! A very interesting read! |
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s1nfully_1nn0c3nt Senior Member
since 2003-10-26
Posts 1105Watertown, NY |
That was one of your "firsts"? Wow. Enjoyed. -Trina. |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
Beautifully rendered, ethome~ Thanks for sharing all your good thoughts and heart felt poetry~ |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Hi Maureen Long time no communicate. Thanks for dropping in and giving this a read and comment. Always appreciated. Eric Michael Thanks for the nice presentation words and for dropping in to give this a ponder. Eric martiniat8 many thanks and I think a martini at eight would be a good idea right now.... Eric |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Thank you Trina I appreciate the visit and the kind words. Eric |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Blues Thanks for the read and I love sharing the heartfelt thoughts as well as I love reading them here. Eric |
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Amberzlynnc Member
since 2010-08-24
Posts 229New Jersey |
Such talent. Thanks for the read! |
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Eusta B. Mae Senior Member
since 2010-05-03
Posts 903 |
Well done and very much enjoyed! ebm |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hi Eric...You touch on something universal in this poem, passed on because of love. I know the feeling too. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Amberzlynnc Thanks for that positive kind comment. Eric Thanks EBM I appreciate the visit and the read. Eric Martie I know how you appreciate this angle and I know you've been through it all from every angle...I really appreciate the reply. Eric |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Thanks Prasad I appreciate it. Eric Passing I love you too! Eric |
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