the Nature of Poetry (in response to Blondie's challenge)

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Open Poetry #4

the Nature of Poetry (in response to Blondie's challenge)

John Yaws
Senior Member

since 1999-10-09

Posts 860
Texas

0 posted 1999-11-30 03:02 PM

Poetry must have the power
To drive a meaning home-
Yet be as soft, ephemeral-
As frothy, airy foam...
That it impose no harsh constraints
Upon the heart and mind..
And therefore easy entrance-
Into our thoughts may find.

But wait! there also must needs be
A strength, a form...you see-
To demarcate the difference
‘Twixt prose and poetry.
In spite of modern clamor
In which I place no stock.
Criteria for poetry
Are solid as a rock.

Free verse, Haiku, may have their place-
And so may modern art.
But lilt and rhyme, and tone and time
Are still dear to the heart.
To memorize may take some time-
Off of the poet’s clock
Make poetry as soft as foam-
Yet solid as the rock.

oh, well, I tried. Not an easy subject at all. :-)

------------------
Live large, people!
~GS~
http://www.geocities.com/montcogunslinger/HomePage.html

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

1 posted 1999-11-30 03:47 PM

Well, I'll say you tried! Don't wait for me, or anyone else, to top this. Terrific work!

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

2 posted 1999-11-30 04:41 PM

Bravo, GS!!!!

RainbowGirl
Member Elite

since 1999-07-31

Posts 3023
United Kingdom

3 posted 1999-11-30 05:08 PM

Well done...I couldn't think of a single thing..if I was wearing a hat, I'd take it off to you..

HUGS

------------------
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it...

Blondie
Member

since 1999-08-06

Posts 307
Ohio

4 posted 1999-11-30 05:34 PM

That was wonderful! You did a great job with this topic...and it gave me some wonderful ideas.

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

5 posted 1999-11-30 06:41 PM

This poem foams!!!...I mean it rocks!!!...

[This message has been edited by Nan (edited 11-30-1999).]

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

6 posted 1999-11-30 10:58 PM

Free verse
is something from my heart
a lilting song, a tapestry,
a flowing butterfly
upon a hill of feeling art.

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