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Purpose
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Purpose |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Simple question here: What is the purpose of poetry? Is it an exercise in grammatical correctness or a means of expressing one's thoughts and feelings? Is poetry written for ourselves, posterity, enjoyment, or another reason? I know my answer, I will post it after a few replies. ------------------ Shall I indulge in flights of fancy hampered by clipped wings? DreamEvil© [This message has been edited by DreamEvil (edited 07-23-99).] |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Good Morning Dream. I like your question. For me, it is my form of "art". I cannot paint to my satisfaction. I cannot construct buildings. I like to touch hearts, and at times, consciousness. Without playing God, I would like to know that someday perhaps one of my pieces would change one's frame of mind, and/or direction in life. That's my answer to your question. I look forward to seeing how others respond. ------------------ © KRJ 22 Jul 99 Sunshine Words will always express our feelings true. ~~~ KRJ Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments |
In my opinion, poetry has several purposes. First and formost, to portray a vast array of feelings an emotions, to get others to look into themselves, to feel compassion, to touch their souls. Secondly, poetry is a way to express one's own self. I, like sunshine, haven't much talent in other artistic areas, so words are the way I express myself. Thirdly, I do believe that poetry is written for ourselves. This I know holds true for me. I know the only way for me to be truly happy is to do something for myself, and writing is that thing. If forced to write for others, for trivial things, poetry could very well lack the emotion and greatness that it has if written for one's self. In short, I think that poetry is how we express our feelings, convey our deepest thoughts, it's therapy, it's something we do because we love it and because we need it. ------------------ *Krista Knutson* "It's a crazy thing, fate has perfect wings..."-Deanna Carter |
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Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
Dreamevil, I'd like to hear your opinion. When I came to this site I viewed it much like a public dance. A place where everyone is welcome regardless of talent or ability. Then I read complaints from others about grammatical and spelling errors. I think some people view this forum as a talent contest. Please don't misunderstand. Everyone is very kind. Everyone makes great efforts at giving kind remarks on the lamest of poems. I just don't want to "dance" for fun anymore because I fear my lack of ability causes irritation to the PROS. (I'm referring to the open forum) [This message has been edited by Kelly (edited 08-07-99).] |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Kelly..... KEEP DANCING!!! This is NOT a forum for "Pro's only".... All are welcome here - We read and enjoy the diversity of all of our poets... ...and, as Ron has so aptly avowed - "We all (cough, cough) make occasional grammatical and spelling errors... Don't presume inability on your part - Just keep on writing and posting - We'll be here to read it....  |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Kelly, Nan is quite correct (of course). I'm on the road, but I will reply when I get to my destination. |
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Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
DreamEvil, Thank you so much. I think I got my answer. I just came out of the alley and now my ears are bleeding. I'll be back once in a while to read so keep writing poems on the lighter side. I enjoy those the best. Thanks again. p.s. I'm still interested in your opinion. I just think this isn't a place for someone like me. (I know nothing at all about poetry) [This message has been edited by Kelly (edited 08-09-99).] |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
Mmm, looks like I should put a password on the Alley to keep out the faint of heart. We really do tend to get carried away a bit in there!Kelly, this web site exists for two reasons. One is to share our thoughts and feelings, both in the form of poetry and in open discussion. It's really quite amazing, when you consider the number of people and wide diversity involved, that we agree as often as we do. But on those rare occasions when we can't agree - we have the Alley. The second reason this web site exists is to learn. About poetry. About other people. About life. And, through those, to learn more about ourselves. You say you know nothing at all about poetry, Kelly? That statement puts you head and shoulders above those of us who sometimes wage war in the Alley - because we're not always smart enough to admit we don't either. I suspect you might have a great deal more to contribute here than you think... |
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JP Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343Loomis, CA |
I'll jump on Ron's bandwagon. I readily admit that I know nothing of poetry (structure, grammar, etc), but that does not stop me from expressing my opinion (very little stops me from expressing my opinion actually...). DreamEvil asked "what is the purpose of poetry?" - How can one answer that question adequately? Is he asking what the purpose is for each of us individually, or as a whole? Some use it as therapy, some as a vent for artistic talents, some because they love the form and flow of well crafted and structured work, and yet others for the power and emotions a poem can convey... is there a satisfactory answer? Yes there is, it just seems to be a different answer for each person. ------------------ Dum spiro, spero JP |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Kelly, I most assuredly will continue writng and I agree with you about the tone of the Alley. It appears to be used mainly for unregulated attacks against an individuals opinions. I have just arrived at my destination, so I'll post my opinion tomorrow. Ron, this is the kind of reaction I was concerned about from the language in the Alley. No one states things as an opinion, but rather as Gospel. You have pointed out to me that the ego and confidence of new poets is often quite fragile. That is why I took exception to the absolute views of the Alley. JP, the question is to be answered by the individual, in their own way. If I qualify it anymore than the individual meaning is lost. Answer the question as it relates to your poetry. Again, Kelly, don't leave because of the opinions expressed in the Alley. They ARE only opinions after all. I would hate to think that we are losing poets because of the misinterpretation of opinion as fact. I hope this addresses each point brought up above. ------------------ Shall I indulge in flights of fancy hampered by clipped wings? DreamEvil© |
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Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
Thanks guys. I'm really not offended. I just don't want to irritate others. I hate to listen to people who can't sing. I guess it's the same for poets. Maybe I'll read a couple of books on poetry and try again. I'm still interested in your opinion DreamEvil. Ron, Thanks for the web site. I think you're doing a great service. I don't mean to imply anything else. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Kelly, you didn't leave an e-mail address in your profile, so I'll respond here. If you would like some help..some pointers on writing your poetry, feel free to contact me. Since you've expressed an interest in the art, you must have some inner need to create poetic pieces. And we all learned to write at one time or another - some by learning about poetry through school/books, etc. some learned by just doing. So the offer stands. If you would like, I'll work with you for a bit. Let me know.  |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Among my friends I am known as 'the poet', and that title occassionally led to a slightly big head on my part. finding this site sure taught me a thing or two! I just wanted to say to Kelly, if you read this, that comparing yourself to so-called pros isn't entirely healthy. Who sets the standard anyway? Sure, there is good poetry and crap poetry, but in the end, your poetry is your own and just as important as anyone elses. Keep writing. Dreamevil- I think poetry serves many functions, and I believe it's impossible to define it to one or two things. For me, writing can be a salvation in times of emotional despair and on the lighter side - just something I love doing! It's up to the individual really, I think, to decide what it is. |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Kelly and anyone else that is interested, my answer is now posted in Prose. I would second Lady deVine's offer, she is far more qualified than me to help however. One thing that does my heart good is hearing you say that you wish to learn more of your craft, I applaud that. I think that experience is the best teacher however, so don't stop writing and posting. Please? Severn, thank you for your answer to this. [This message has been edited by DreamEvil (edited 08-10-99).] |
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