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Philosophy 101
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An Old Question
| Philosophy 101 |
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An Old Question |
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CudMonk Junior Member
since 2007-11-28
Posts 21 |
What is YOUR purpose for writing poetry, in the humble opinions of those on this website doing it? I ask this question only because I feel sometimes like many, many people who "write poetry" are doing little more than aping traditional standards of what is English-style verse. I say this, of course, as someone who did the exact same thing for years until I began to study literary theory and wonder, "Why am I doing this?" So, I'm asking, why do YOU - not the human race, but you specifically - take the time to sit down and write? Catharsis? Politics? Journaling? Recording the human experience? Just because it's the cool thing to do? Fame? Money? Beauty? To get chicks? I, personally, write because I enjoy reading, and I feel as though I want to contribute to the dreamy world of literature that has brought me great pleasure. -Adam |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
I believe that this is mind driving thing. There is no clear purpose at first. And I can't think that my poems contributing to anything if not viewed as green gas. Tom |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
For me there is no one set reason or purpose. However I will tell you a few.  I write because I always have. I wrote a short story in 5th grade. I write because there is a need to do so. I write because sometimes others inspire me to write. But with most that I do in life there is that something I can't explain, that pushes me, guides me and empowers me to write and reflect. If I couldn't write I would not cease, however, I would be a far less me. "too bad ignorance isn't painful" ~Unknown~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Because it is who I am. |
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Brad Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705Jejudo, South Korea |
quote: I wish they'd do this more. As far as your question, I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Why do people do anything? Your examples of 'purpose' are rather reductionist, don't you think? You mention literary theory and I'm curious. What literary theory argues that you shouldn't follow traditional modes of English verse? quote: This is funny though. |
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poetninoit Junior Member
since 2007-06-10
Posts 20 |
I write because if I don't my brain turns to mush and nothing goes into or comes out of it. I write because there's things that I think about that i just don't want to tell other people and I would rather tell it to an emprty page. Empty pages listen better than any one I know because they can't interupt me. I write because it's fun. I write because I hate life. I write because I love life. There are millions of reasons. The real question is: Why not write? |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Because it is practical. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Because I can't shaddup. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Jim, practical? I'm sure you're right, on some level. But what a prosaic answer for poetry! Stephen |
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Essorant Member Elite
since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada |
God said "let there be light" Because the poets need to write! |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Stephen: Ever read a well-written line of poetry and it stuck with you? "True ease in writing comes from art not chance / As those move easiest who have learned to dance." Ever read a poorly-written line of poetry and it stuck with you? "If the gloves don't fit, you must acquit!" Ever wonder why ancient works on poetics were grouped with works on rhetoric? What are the similarities? What are the differences? What effect can a line of poetry embedded in prose have on the audience? I suppose my answer isn't particularly romantic, but I stand by it. Jim |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Jim, No doubt that there is both an art and science to poetry. I just think they are secondary to the "soul" of what poetry is, and why anyone was ever compelled to write it in the first place. But, your reason is true, and therefore valid. I think I'll start calling you the "pragmatic poet". Stephen |
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Huan Yi Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688Waukegan |
. To get chicks . |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
Sir Huan, do you hint that with the price of eggs doubled lately in the market, one may use poems to get them from someone else? It has to be good poems, sir. Then whose poems are good enough to afford them here?  and don't hate me for saying so! |
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