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Open Poetry #14
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Elizabeth Santos
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since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2001-05-30 09:10 AM


Poetry for Dummies

I was in a Barnes and Noble mood
Browsing through the shelves
Scanning over self-help books
That help you help yourself

When I chanced upon a treasure
That would end unwanted strife
It was "Poetry for Dummies”
That would surely change my life

Included was a self help disc
A  pure poetic spout
An untapped font with Micro Software
Lyrics pouring out

They rhyme, they chime, they sing a tune
In Limericks and Rondeaus
Sapphics and Pindaric Odes
And things that no one knows

It’s easy to write poetry
With such a useful tool
All this time I used my brain
For writing, like a fool

I read the book and now I’ve conquered
All the ins and outs
Of verse and form and rhyming schemes
That pour from lyric spouts

But there was something missing
Not a chapter to explain
That poetry is not a simple
Labor of the brain

It failed to tell you how those lovely
Dreams and fantasies
Become the words that fill the page
With ships on twinkling seas

Or how the eye beholds a rose
Or how your passion swells
How pain seeps into poet ink
From sorrow’s deepest wells

It didn’t teach compassion
Or the splendors of the skies
Or how to say what’s in you heart
Or what flows from your eyes

It seems that there are certain things
That simply can’t be taught
That poetry comes from passion
And not merely from one’s thought

So I returned the book to them
For I was quite perplexed
With “Poetry for Dummies”
Which was not what you’d expect

I hope that no one else will buy
This course of poetry
I don’t believe there are too many
Dummies just like me

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2001 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
1 posted 2001-05-30 09:18 AM


Ah Elizabeth you've made my day!  I'm still chuckling as I think about this poem and one thing is for sure you're no dummie!  I love the whole thing!
Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
2 posted 2001-05-30 09:18 AM


Perfect!!! (Is there really such a book?) Oh, yes, you've captured poets perfectly. And if YOU are a poetic dummie, can I be one too?
Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

3 posted 2001-05-30 09:21 AM


how perfectly marvelous.  What a piece you have given us, this is so true, Elizabeth, thank you for this.

Kathleen Blake

"When red-haired girls scamper like roses over the rain-green grass,
and the sun drips honey."
Laurie Lee


Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
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Listening to every heart
4 posted 2001-05-30 09:24 AM


They say it's easy....we all know better....
Charisma
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lost in blue pages
5 posted 2001-05-30 09:28 AM


oh my what a funny way......I mean sway to write about poetry for dummies....wonderful read my friend.

((hugs))
Charisma

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
6 posted 2001-05-30 10:11 AM


Thanks, my wise poet friends, who would never buy a book for dummies. I'm not sure if it exists. It was just a thought, but I probably would have paged through it to see just how dumb I am.
Thanks for the comments, and please don't go out and buy the book.
Liz

Mother_Earth
Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 1370
1/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan
7 posted 2001-05-30 10:26 AM


Elizabeth, maybe you should write that book.  As a help guide for some of us earthlings.  Well, maybe just this one.  Lots of laughs and lots of fun.  Thanks for both,  ME
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
8 posted 2001-05-30 11:13 AM


This is wondrous...

Liz, I can't explain how amazed I am each time I read what you write...

regards,
sudhir


Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

9 posted 2001-05-30 01:01 PM


It failed to tell you how those lovely
Dreams and fantasies
Become the words that fill the page
With ships on twinkling seas

Or how the eye beholds a rose
Or how your passion swells
How pain seeps into poet ink
From sorrow’s deepest wells
===============================
It seems that there are certain things
That simply can’t be taught
That poetry comes from passion
And not merely from one’s thought
==============================

YES... I saw this book at Borders on the rack...I didnt look at it tho as I was in the check out line...
I will HAVE to look at it now..
Liz, this is charming and adorable.
Could have only been inspired in a poets soul.
wisdom kissed..and as always from your gifted pen...cadence kissed.
Well done poetess of grace.
jm

I'm hanging on your every word
Even if you dont want to speak tonite
It's alright
I'm sitting outside heaven's door
listening to you breathe

Panne447
Member
since 2001-04-03
Posts 196
S.A. TX
10 posted 2001-05-30 01:04 PM


Elizabeth. This is terrific!!
APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE!!
Now I will have to check that out.
Panne

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
11 posted 2001-05-30 01:46 PM


What's in your heart and floats from your pen Elizabeth, could not be described in any book for dummies.

Thank you for this lovely verse, I really enjoyed reading it.

Titia

A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess...
Feel free to use the pictures on my website. http://communities.msn.com/Titiasplace&naventryid=100

Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
12 posted 2001-05-30 02:09 PM


Elizabeth,
You are always worth reading and this was no exception. An incredible write. Sy

Paula Finn
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since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
13 posted 2001-05-30 02:28 PM


AAAAAHHHHH lady you have certainly said all that we are or hope to be....poetry from a book? Like theres a recipe for passion!!!!! Great write
Midnitesun
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Gaia
14 posted 2001-05-30 02:42 PM


What a way to start my day! I'm blown away by this one, it is absolutely ringing bells all over the place. But I must admit, if there is such a book, I would also have bought it. Some of the Dummies books are actually good for us who are mere novices. I actually have one on Jack Russell Terriers, purchased weeks before getting my little terrorist, Skippy. If a poetry dummies book could unlock my mind and heart a bit more, I'd buy it no matter what they called it.
2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
15 posted 2001-05-30 02:50 PM


I like jokes. I like poetry. I like poetic jokes. You have certainly entertained me with a Good One. Thanks.
Melton

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
16 posted 2001-05-30 03:20 PM


Janet Marie, You mean to tell me that there really is such a book? HaHa!, I'll have to check it out. Thanks, everyone for reading and commenting. Just wasn't in the mood for serious stuff today.
Liz

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
17 posted 2001-05-30 04:20 PM


An excellent lesson in: there is no easy road to writing poetry!

Got to have that heart and soul, yes indeed!

Corinne

Sven
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since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
18 posted 2001-05-30 07:38 PM


if anyone should write a book about how to write poetry and poetic theory Liz, it should be you. . .

I know that I'd buy at least 10 copies!!!  

-------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Midnitesun
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Gaia
19 posted 2001-05-30 08:22 PM


Yes, there really is a book Poetry for Dummies, and there is one called Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry, both available through B&N.
How were we to know? Some of us just blindly go forth without the help of anything but our own imaginations. Imagine that!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
20 posted 2001-05-30 09:09 PM


WEll, now I feel like both an idiot and a dummy! I didn't know about either of these books! Just imagine, I was only kidding and it was true!I need to get out more often. I think I spend too much time at the computer.
THanks for the info and for the comments!
Liz  

Marge Tindal
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21 posted 2001-05-30 09:13 PM


LizzieLady~
You are hilarious !

And Yep !
Here it is !
Hot Off The Presses !

Format: Paperback, 309pp.
ISBN: 0764552724
Publisher: Hungry Minds, Incorporated
Pub. Date: May  2001

Available at the Barnes and Noble discounted price of
ONLY $17.99 !

Who'da thunk it ?????

You're just the greatest gal !
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
                               noles1@totcon.com             

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
22 posted 2001-05-31 08:13 AM


Leave it to Margie to run out and get me a copy of Poetry for Dummies. How much do I owe you, Marge?
THanks, dear, but I think that Idiot's Guide might be better.
You are too much, girl! What a riot!
I suppose that book will be flying off the shelf with that bit of advertisement.
Put it back on the shelf, Marge, you really don't need it
Liz

Watersign6
Senior Member
since 2001-05-25
Posts 823
Hurricane,WV
23 posted 2001-05-31 04:16 PM


oh my,Elizabeth you are such a talented wonder with a great sense of humar,you made me laugh an put me in awe with this one,your
mind an pen an heart are flowing with your
god given art,love it  

Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
24 posted 2001-05-31 08:31 PM


Liz, I thought by the title you were finally dedicating a poem to me after all these years!  

maybe you were  

I love it anyway....

Songbird
Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184
Missouri
25 posted 2001-05-31 11:00 PM


LOL Imagine that!  Amazing!     I really enjoyed the fun of this poem, and the truth that lies there in.  I've got a Window 98 for Dummies.. and still haven't got past the first page.. so I will save my money on this one.. it's easier learning from all the poets at PIP and much more enjoyable.
Mysteria
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26 posted 2001-06-01 12:05 PM


Opps hit the button too fast sorry!

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 06-01-2001).]

Mysteria
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27 posted 2001-06-01 12:05 PM


I love your humor Elizabeth, it suits you!  I can not believe there is a book!  I sit here and it is like giving birth, and all this time I could have filled in the blanks???  This was too special (and trust Marge!)

~*~ I write ~ Therefore I am ~*~

Temptress
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since 1999-06-15
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Mobile, AL
28 posted 2001-06-01 12:19 PM


LOL! Liz! I absolutely loved this!  
I need that book I think.
*rushes off to Barnes and Noble*

Mabel A. Dilley
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859
Seattle, WA, USA
29 posted 2001-06-01 01:09 AM


Hmm. I may be an idiot writing for dummies...no that can't be it...a dummy writing for idiots...no..it's obvious: I must purchase a book. You've charmed us again with your graceful writing.

"I am not now that which I have been."

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
30 posted 2001-06-01 06:50 AM


Your responses are better than the poem. THanks
I'm wondering who wrote the book put out by "Hungry Minds", or was it "Hungry Pockets"?
I think I'll pass on both books
THanks all for reading and commenting
Liz

Mabel A. Dilley
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859
Seattle, WA, USA
31 posted 2001-06-01 10:11 AM


Finally, two books that I can actually purcashe and use. Trust me, you simply don't need these books, but I do thank you for pointing out the two resources to me.

"I am not now that which I have been."

Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
32 posted 2001-06-02 08:53 AM


My Dear Sweet Lady,

You always touch my heart and this time with pure laughter and I would of of looked in on a book like that to, this is a keeper for sure,

Love, Cerenity

"God doesn't have to be reminded that we exist.
We have to be reminded that He exist!"

(Writer Unknown)



Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

33 posted 2001-06-02 09:46 AM


This is delightful, Elizabeth! I love it!
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