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Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan

0 posted 2007-02-16 09:39 PM


.

Now who here if at all
has described themselves as that
and not been edged way from
or not looked at as an odd cat
that had walked into the room?

It really seems
a cheap trick
by an otherwise dull mind.


.

© Copyright 2007 John Pawlik - All Rights Reserved
serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

1 posted 2007-02-16 09:43 PM


Don't mind me John, I'm no poet.

Just the slow kid in yer class.

Not to worry.

I'll send myself to the office.


Edward Grim
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since 2005-12-18
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Greenville, South Carolina
2 posted 2007-02-16 11:53 PM


I'm a human.

Head Cheese & Chicken Feet

Juju
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since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429
In your dreams
3 posted 2007-02-17 02:29 AM


Meh.... I am an illiterate poet .   I don't mind having people think I am weird or foolish, but it is who I am.  Poetry is my love and I am willing to be called a fool than deny my love for poetry.  I may not be a good poet, but at least I am a happy, foolish poet.

Juju

PS:  I don't care if this makes me look dumb, I wuv poetry and eventhough I am no "Ed Poe."  Its my love.  

-Juju

-"So you found a girl
Who thinks really deep thougts
What's so amazing about really deep thoughts " Silent all these Years, Tori Amos

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
4 posted 2007-02-17 08:22 AM



Actually, I have never had anyone back away from me at the mention that I am a poet~

I have found that people want to hear more of why my 'word art' is so inspirational to me and I find that the people I meet are very interested in poetry~

New people that I meet, upon hearing that I am a poet, always want to know if I'm published ... now, I can happily tell them "YES"~

Well, that's my story ... and it's stuck to me~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -             noles1@totcon.com

Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
5 posted 2007-02-17 11:49 AM


A king doesn't stop showing himself as king just because some people get intimidated at his presence.  Nor should the poet stop showing himself as poet just because his glorious aura is a bit intimidating to the lewd and less artful minded folk.
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
6 posted 2007-02-17 12:53 PM


quote:
I have no beloved, no house, no place where I can live. All the things to which I give myself grow rich and spend me. --"The Poet"

Excerpt from  "Life of a Poet", http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/books/chap1/lifeofapoet.htm

And that works for me.



Not A Poet
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since 1999-11-03
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Oklahoma, USA
7 posted 2007-02-18 12:40 PM


I am Not a Poet.

Juju
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since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429
In your dreams
8 posted 2007-02-18 01:40 AM




I am.... Juju

-Juju

-"So you found a girl
Who thinks really deep thougts
What's so amazing about really deep thoughts " Silent all these Years, Tori Amos

serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
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9 posted 2007-02-18 02:20 AM


*grin*

Karen loves Pete.


Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
10 posted 2007-02-21 08:02 PM


But Pete always makes me want to disagree with himself!
Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
11 posted 2007-02-22 09:38 PM


.


So what is a "poet"
as deserves any particular regard
or respect?

None to my mind;
in fact it's yet another definition
of a fool.


John


.

Edward Grim
Senior Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 1154
Greenville, South Carolina
12 posted 2007-02-22 09:49 PM


"in fact it's yet another definition
of a fool."

Ha, yeah right on man. It's about time someone said that.

Head Cheese & Chicken Feet

Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
13 posted 2007-02-22 10:10 PM


Then you must not have much appreciation for poets or poetry.  Why do you even post at this site?  
miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
14 posted 2007-02-22 11:45 PM


    A poet is one who expresses; it may be through many apparent or  ELUSIVE depths of writing, social classes, etc.  I've read original poetry becomes DEAD after it is placed upon paper for others to interpret.  After the poetry has gained its 'permanence' on paper, does it not change, even to its creator, because the moment of creation has passed and circumstance has changed?  In essence, all of our poetry has died and is in metamorphis to others' interpretation.  

  At that point, we SENSE what appeals to us and what does not.  Strictly, personal choice.  This probably depends on background and location, as we all have different speech patterns and pronunciations.  Sometimes, the most common words can have the greatest depth, depending on their context, therefore, I can't say that great poetry is dependent upon great vocabulary.  Word choice, perhaps, yes.  

  Poetry is food for thought and music to ears.  What food may appeal to us one day, may not the next day.   If we ate only from the plates of "great poets", we may not perceive life situations, emotions, and images that unacclaimed people of expression leave for us.

   On some days, I like to read just for the music of poetry, not for the comprehension.  The alliteration, assonance, etc. can put me into various time periods, such as the Romantic or Impressionistic.

Although I have my favorites, I can honestly say that I can learn something from the beginning expressor, as well as the more "accomplished", which is simply a matter of opinion.    

   I thank you for posing the question!  It's a good one!  


  Incidently, Huan Yi, I like your play on words in the first line!  

   To answer the question, according to my definition, I am a poet, but how good can be determined only by the reader, and only at the particular time it is read.  If the words or thoughts would linger on beyond the reading, I might consider myself good for that instant.  Of the hundreds of poems I've written, only one begs me to read it over and over, soooo, I probably would not consider myself a good poet, but many are unique, having several layers, plays on words or sounds, as well as plays on rhythm.  I've never tried to learn the rules or rhythms of poetry or do I care to.  I am NOT a 100%er when it comes to any theory of any hobby, but I totally respect those who are.  I just don't have the attention span to stay on task.    

miscellanea

  

[This message has been edited by miscellanea (02-23-2007 06:27 PM).]

Edward Grim
Senior Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 1154
Greenville, South Carolina
15 posted 2007-02-23 02:50 PM


Ess, I write poetry but I'm not a poet.

Are you saying that anybody that works on a car is a car mechanic? Are you saying that anyone who has hung shelves is a carpenter? Anybody that's rowed a boat is a ship captain?

"Then you must not have much appreciation for poets or poetry.  Why do you even post at this site?"

Quit trying to start a fight buddy, it's gettin old. And I'm seriously thinking about not posting on this site anymore so there ya go.

Have a nice day.

Head Cheese & Chicken Feet

Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
16 posted 2007-02-23 05:00 PM


"Are you saying that anybody that works on a car is a car mechanic? Are you saying that anyone who has hung shelves is a carpenter? Anybody that's rowed a boat is a ship captain?"


No.  Where did you get that from?  


"Quit trying to start a fight buddy, it's gettin old. And I'm seriously thinking about not posting on this site anymore so there ya go."

I'm not trying to start a fight.  Questioning and arguing things are part of this forum.  


Edward Grim
Senior Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 1154
Greenville, South Carolina
17 posted 2007-02-23 06:03 PM


I'm just saying that you don't have to be a poet to write poetry.

You might not be trying to start a fight but your tone is a little off. That's the nice way to put it.

Huan Yi
Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
18 posted 2007-02-23 08:58 PM


.

The Fool
by Padraic Pearse

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Poetry/PadraicPearse.html


.

Not A Poet
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since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885
Oklahoma, USA
19 posted 2007-02-23 09:02 PM


I think it is fair to say that anyone who writes poetry is a poet. Now surely what you or I call poetry when we write it may not really be poetry. That certainly does not make us poets then does it? If we write crap then does that make us crappers?

rwood
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since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
20 posted 2007-02-23 09:21 PM


Laugh~ Not a Poet~ possibly so, which would be more interesting on a bio, but less impressive to publishers. Who knows?

I once told my brilliant and excessively- active-brain-celled professor of biology that I was a poet in introduction, simply because the whole room was full of physic/science/math majors and I the only English major. Incidentally, I received an expected response, which was an eye-jerk-and roll movement in my direction. Every time I answered a question correctly in class, we all chalked one up for the poet. Made things more fun, what the heck.

Am I a poet? Yeah, I am. And a crapper as well.

Brad
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since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea
21 posted 2007-02-24 08:48 PM


quote:
I once told my brilliant and excessively- active-brain-celled professor of biology that I was a poet in introduction, simply because the whole room was full of physic/science/math majors and I the only English major. Incidentally, I received an expected response, which was an eye-jerk-and roll movement in my direction. Every time I answered a question correctly in class, we all chalked one up for the poet. Made things more fun, what the heck.


Can't think of a better response than this one.



Huan Yi
Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
22 posted 2007-03-07 12:15 PM


.

To be a poet
is in some way
to acknowledge defeat

.

rwood
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since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
23 posted 2007-03-07 08:32 AM


Nah, we're just more creative in the ways we pick ourselves up when we fall on our faces.
fallenangel219
Junior Member
since 2007-03-05
Posts 10

24 posted 2007-03-07 10:34 AM


i    am    a    poet
Larry C
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25 posted 2007-03-07 09:33 PM


Personally, I acknowledge to my friends that I like to write. But I don't ever recall identifying myself as a poet. Partly because I have no understanding of any of the technicallity of poetry and partly because by contrast I recognize good poetry when I see it. More challenging to me was the courage it took to attempt prose.

But I heard a college professor quoted on NPR radio suggesting that anyone who writes poetry could write prose and that gave me the boost I needed. However, given my weak training in my educational experience with english I am amazed to be writing at all. It doesn't matter to me if I'm considered a poet or not, that's not why I write. And the truth is a lot of the proclaimed professional poets writing is stuff I don't understand anyway.

Sphinxen
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since 2007-03-03
Posts 38
U.S.
26 posted 2007-03-11 02:12 PM


I am not a poet by trade. I havent studied any writing techniques. I experiment with different forms, poetry, prose, character sketches of the people I know, and the ones I dont. I write because I have to write, the pen and paper posess me for a moment and I never know what its going to say. Its just something ive done ever since I could put words on paper.

I write for the freedom and high of creation. It doesnt matter if its no good, its still a release of the things I cant really say.

"No one now dies of fatal truths, there are to many antidotes to them."- Nietzche

Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
27 posted 2007-03-13 08:53 PM


.

What easier “art” in the arts is there than poetry
to get away with almost anything
and still be considered a participant
worthy of attention?


.

Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
28 posted 2007-03-13 09:49 PM


I think almost every art has a side equivelent to a "freeverse".
Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
29 posted 2007-03-14 08:31 PM


.


Which means anyone
capable of line breaks
or attention deficit in sentences
can qualify


.

Edward Grim
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since 2005-12-18
Posts 1154
Greenville, South Carolina
30 posted 2007-03-14 08:34 PM


haha
rwood
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since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
31 posted 2007-03-15 04:06 PM


Yall are Not right.
Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688
Waukegan
32 posted 2007-03-15 10:05 PM




It is easier to prove you wrong

rwood
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since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
33 posted 2007-03-16 05:14 AM


Please do so.
ChristianSpeaks
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since 2006-05-18
Posts 396
Iowa, USA
34 posted 2007-03-20 03:45 PM


quote:
What easier “art” in the arts is there than poetry
to get away with almost anything
and still be considered a participant
worthy of attention?


Going with the mechanic/carpenter/captian thing:

Not all who sing are singers
Not all who dance are dancers
Not all who act are actors.

When it comes to the arts, there is a certain amount of skill that must be ecrued to ellict a title. I cannot call myself a poet. I have to earn that title.

Dane

Ron
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
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Michigan, US
35 posted 2007-03-20 07:04 PM


quote:
When it comes to the arts, there is a certain amount of skill that must be ecrued to ellict a title.

But isn't that the same question simply reworded? Who is to decide what that certain amount of skill is to be? Are you ready to join the poetry police?

Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
36 posted 2007-03-20 09:23 PM


Anyone may judge.  Not everyone will agree.  But most people will be convinced once someone proves more than just a very momentary desire or practice in the art that he is an "artist" thereof.
ChristianSpeaks
Member
since 2006-05-18
Posts 396
Iowa, USA
37 posted 2007-03-21 11:22 AM


Ron-

Good point. I'm not quite ready to suit up. But - is anyone who puts pen to paper a writer? OR is anyone who takes those words and breaks thme in poetic-like places a poet?

Dane

Angel4aKing
Senior Member
since 2006-09-27
Posts 1372
USA
38 posted 2007-03-21 08:31 PM


I agree with JuJu and I am a poet too!! Hey I can think of worse things!!!!

~~~kingsangel~~~

Angel4aKing
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since 2006-09-27
Posts 1372
USA
39 posted 2007-03-21 08:38 PM


Poetry is expression, and very spiritual, and noone is claiming (in this discussion) to have a Doctrine on the subject as far as I can tell. I don't mind calling myself a poet, I have heard of worse things to be called!!!

~~~kingsangel~~~

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
40 posted 2007-03-22 11:09 AM


quote:
I think almost every art has a side equivelent to a "freeverse".



Sounds like you're describing art as a box, or a coin, or a heavenly body that relies on a definitive and ruling force.

There is divine merit in being outside of the box, intangible, and completely remote from the artistic applications and ideals of another.

Cultures craft and create a history for us that proves there is dignity and integrity in; being found different, straying outside the lines, and turning something over and over until it works for them. Hopefully, people will continue to "spring eternal" with their genius.

Otherwise, Picasso wasn't a painter.

Jelly Roll Morton wasn't a pianist.

And the mightiest possessors of wisdom and philosophy sank into the ocean with Atlantis.


quote:
What easier “art” in the arts is there than poetry
to get away with almost anything
and still be considered a participant
worthy of attention?


Well, let's see:

Politics.
Quilting.
Basket weaving.
Finger/painting.
Lovemaking.
Photography.
Sarcasm.
Fashion.
Marketing.
Cooking.
Accounting.
Sculpting.
Public Speaking.


just to name a few.

quote:
Which means anyone
capable of line breaks
or attention deficit in sentences
can qualify.


Qualify for (what?) President? or for acceptance by the masses as a poet?

I can say I’m Elvis reincarnated and demand royalties from all those paintings of me on velvet, but something tells me no one will buy that idea, unless I’m so unbelievably believable it pays off?
  



Aurelian
Member
since 2007-03-20
Posts 109
TX, USA
41 posted 2007-03-25 11:44 PM


To be a poet is to be a fool - so? I'll be a fool. Everybody is anyway. Like it was said of Socrates - he was the wisest man on earth because he knew that he knew nothing. I'm not that wise yet by a country mile.
Essorant
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since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
42 posted 2007-03-26 12:24 PM


Reg,


I mean that the arts have strong traditions that were cultivated by the ages, but today, every art has a side dedicated to revolution and anarchy trying to "free" the art from the seasoned strings of traditions, structures, techniques, attributes, the very means that cultivated and strengthened, and made the arts most familiar to people to begin with and in strong an longlasting ways, for being maintained and cultivated in strong and longlasting ways as much as possible thro the ages.

In my opinion this side is far "overrated", and it often leads to reckless extremes that lose the name of respectful and graceful art.

  

Aurelian
Member
since 2007-03-20
Posts 109
TX, USA
43 posted 2007-03-26 04:28 PM


Amen!
oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA
44 posted 2007-03-30 05:12 PM


"in fact it's yet another definition
of a fool."

Well, there are fools and there are Holy Fools.  And somethings are wholly foolish.

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
45 posted 2007-04-20 11:09 PM


Naw...I just live in a dream....

I Read The Words Of A Poet, Today

I read the words of a poet, today,
and saw the world the poet’s way.
I saw the death of a poet’s child,
husband, wife, I saw the way
a poet cried.
I saw the pain a poet feels
when love goes bad, goes away,
or just turns sad.
I saw the way a poet sees
the sunlit sky, feels the breeze,
the grass beneath bare feet,
cool water in a brook,
all at which the poet looks.
I saw the way a poet smiles,
the sparkle in the eye, felt
the tremble in the chest, the
tightness in the throat, the
love that swells the soul,
the touch of a loved ones hand.
I felt the ache of unfound words
straining to sing in the poets way.
I knew the joy of having written
a wonderful piece, of
loss of life, undying love,
children, friends, God;
of knowing I’d done my best,
to hell with the rest, this was from me,
my heart, my soul, my words,
the essence of me and nothing less.
I read the words of a poet, today,
and saw the world a poets way;
and now I lay me down to sleep,
to dream the dreams,
that poets keep.

w. james beard, jr.
© November, 2000

oceanvu2
Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066
Santa Monica, California, USA
46 posted 2007-04-21 12:05 PM


"To be a poet
is in some way
to acknowledge defeat"

This is a quite startling little poem, and should make anyone look at what they are doing.

I don't know how being a poet acknowledges defeat, but it is a powerful enough thought to give pause.

I think I'm a poet because I've been writing poetry for about 50 years, but it has never occured to me to introduce myself to anyone as a "poet."  It's just something I do because I do.

Over the years, my poems have evolved from the truly dreadful to the passably amusing.
I don't know whether I'm capable, or interested, at this point, in writing in a different, though no less serious, form.

I don't feel the emotional connotations of defeat.  This doesn't seem to be a game you win or lose, just one you continue to play if you are moved to do so.

I don't mind being a poet, but I don't have it emblazoned on a T-Shirt either.

Jim

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