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Open Poetry #47
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Are We Poets?
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Are We Poets? |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America 
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modern day poets how do we fare compared to those who have gone on before some modern day poets I have read match up just fine with the "giants" some (gasp) are better I know, I know . . . sacrilege I write poems that makes me a poet don't care what Mr. & Mrs. Snooty sez I'm an amateur to be sure still, I've had my moments like have most of us we shine from time to time I like rhyme then again free style gives me, uh freedom I have read the "greats," Shelly, et al some of it makes me scratch my head in puzzlement I'm ashamed to admit it to people some of it is mindless clap-trap as are much of my own so what do I gather from that not that difficult to understand I gather it is a lot like watermelon some like theirs with salt some sprinkle sugar on whatever floats yer boat ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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| © Copyright 2011 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Indeed. I prefer my watermelon just as it is. Although, seedless is always nice. I believe it is poetry if we want it to be poetry. It is more than words, that is for sure. GG |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
I thank you, GG, for your presence here, and your input. ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I think GG's response fits me perfectly - both about the watermelon and the poetry! So, ditto! Owl |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
I truely enjoy the way you think. I think what has happened most to us floating boats is that the light has left the water and refocused. Rumor has it that Poetry is dead...Well, we're all here. Perhaps you have noticed my boat, it's a little dingy. Lori |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Give me salt with my watermelon, and my poems. [Cheese works, too.] I want to believe I am a poet. I leave enough tracings around that maybe others might think I am, too. I revel in the reading of the blue pages, I surround myself with poets. I believe I can tell the good from the "can-get-better" ones... and applaud them all for trying. I subscribe to the ancient "Poetry" magazine, and always feel a little surprised that my favorites are not included...  Are you a poet? Yes.  |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Talak about a subject that can provoke opinions! In one way, you are what you think you are. If you want to consider yourself (my "you" is general)a poet, then so be it. If you want to convince others, that could be a little more difficult. Look at the kids trying out for American Idol that can't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow and yet swear that they can sing, no matter what anyone says - normally because they are surrounded by friends and family who shower them with undeserved praise. How do today's poets stack up with past masters? Who can say? I have read many very excellent poems from modern poets. On the other hand, how many of them are making their mark? If you were to ask 100 random non-poet people to name great poets, my bet is that you'll get 100 people naming Poe, Browning, Shakespeare, Robert Frost, Emily Dickenson and the like. How many current poets will they name? Almost no one....maybe Maya ANgelou or Rod McKuen. How many passages from modern poets can you recite from memory? Pretty near zero, I imagine...and yet many poems of the past masters can be recited, from The Raven to The Charge of the Light Brigade, etc etc etc. Poets can say things in a different way. They can use words everyone use in such a way that they make an impression on the reader. They come up with unique styles and presentations. I wouldn't necessarily call Dr. Seuss a great poet but his style was so unique it made his work famous. Personally, I feel that the past masters worked harder in this regard and made their poetry more memorable. There is a difference between writing poetry and being a poet. Most of us here just write poetry...and there's nothing wrong with that but a poet, a true poet, will have studied the craft tirelessly and put in many hours working, reworking, and learning every facet of the craft. Take care when calling yourself a poet. You can also call yourself a ballplayer...just don't try out for the majors unless you feel you deserve it.  |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Thanks, Owl. From watermelon to poetry, to each his/her/don't ask, don't tell. I am an admitted amateur when it comes to the art of poetry, but I am a professional watermelon-with-salt kinda guy. <><><> Hah! Being a little dingy doesn't hurt if it rocks the boat and you do, Lori. I'm more gritty and in-your-face. I refer you to the watermelon analogy above. <><><> Yes, indeed you are a poet, Sunshine, and your light glimmers. I used to subscribe to "Poetry" also, no longer do. If you think I am a poet, then I am one in someone's eyes and that makes me feel warm and happy. <><> Thank you, Balladeer. ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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faithmairee Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441Poe Haven, USA |
the rumor that poetry is dead in not new...in fact, it's been around a very long time....i just don't believe it's true... i've been having a love affair with poetry for the last 45 years and your poem really got me to thinking about several things... first of all,i think you're being modest when you speak of being an amateur...your work is refreshingly unique and so well written...i think it's great why do i call myself a poet? i was sitting in this office waiting to be called to have my taxes done today and thinking about your fine poem...i started thinking about a response but then i got home and wrote my last post...it says why i do it... i'm here because i love poetry and poets and i;m happy you are here There must be a poem in here somewhere. |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
"thinking about your fine poem...i started thinking about a response but then i got home and wrote my last post...it says why i do it.." I almost asked you if I had offended you and that was why you wrote the poem. I decided not to because I didn't really want to know if I did. I value your work, Faith, very much. ~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~ |
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faithmairee Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441Poe Haven, USA |
oh no, i wasn't offended at all...your poem just made me think...it hasn't happened in quite a while that a poem i have read inspired me to write one myself and for that i thank you... There must be a poem in here somewhere. |
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