I wrote the following "poem" a while back in response to the squabbling that seems to occur within poetry circles as to what actually constitutes poetry. Traditionalists versus the modernists, structure versus free form, with each side "abusing" the other claiming that their poetry is the truest form of the art.
A clever design, with words that will shine a plot Why care if I rhyme, every other line, or not? Will you whinge and whine as beats I combine, boycott?
You stick up your nose, exclaim "its not prose" A joke No rules to impose so why can't I pose and stroke? The quill is my rose, my joy and my throes, un-yoke.
Consonants will blend as vowels transcend with skill Adjectives ascend, all verbs are my friend, a thrill No need to amend the voice I have penned, be still.
Surely there is room for everyone and just because someone else's writing isn't your "cup of tea" does it mean that it's without value? In a world clamouring for freedom of expression does it seem remarkable that the poetry world can petty enough to be involved in a word war? What do you think?
Currently studying freelance journalism, Julian is a creative writer and poet and writes both professionally and for pleasure. Professionally, Julian writes articles for an internet marketing company and although he is often restricted by topic, his writing still maintains his own unique style. He has written a series of heartfelt and impartial articles about the success and controversy surrounding the electronic cigarette. He has found the discipline involved with this work to be a great writing exercise and believes it enhances and improves the rest of his writing. Julian's articles at Searchwarp are of a much more personal nature, where he feels he can express his views and interests in the world around him.
Ver often ,rhymimg,in a poem, forces one to abandon deeper inspiration and meaning simply because seeking a rhyme sacrifices those higher sought poetical goals;to open a feeling or a world for the reader.Only children and geniuses can bypass that atrophy that rhyming sometimes causes;why not write without it?
Thanks for commenting Paul. I think you may have just confirmed the point I was making. Why not indeed write without rhyme? However my concern is the abuse aimed at "writers" who decide to write in the manner they wish (structured or not) and then get criticised for it. ( Looking at you "children and genius" comment!). Surely the genius is in the writer and not the style of writing? I mean, gibberish is gibberish whatever style its written in, isnt it? Freedom and depth does not always result in quality. Discipline and structure can often be responsible for honing raw skills and developing depth and freedom at a later date. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
» left by paul schroeder from nyc (223 days 17 hours ago.)
No abuse was remotely ever intended;I teach writing,on the college level and instruct my pupils to avoid poetry rhyming ,at all costs.While some structure is sometimes essential,I meant to assert the hazard for adults attempting poetical rhyming .For the most part,poetry rhyming by children, is fine,but not for adults,[theres a difference between,"childlike" and "childish"}
Thanks again for commenting Paul. At least this has created some debate, which after all was the intention. I hear what you are saying regarding teaching etc but surely there are more people ( other than those who are actually studying it in classes) who wish to enjoy writing at their own levels and may wish to enjoy the word play and fun that one can have with structured poetry. Many people write for personal gratification with no ambition to become the next Shakespeare or Wordsworth. We all have opinion but wouldnt it be better to encourage all styles of writing and writers side by side? I find that much modern poetry is nothing more than glorified blog writing and somehow passed off as poetry, but thats just a personal opinion. At least people are writing. Thanks again Paul.
Sorry, I am a traditonalist I enjoy reading rhyming poetry. Not that I am against poetry that does not rhynme. I just find it is less enjoyable to read.
» left by paul schroeder from nyc (223 days 16 hours ago.)
yes,I know that you do and I totally respect that but feel exactly opposite on that issue;When I discover a poem,before reading it,I quickly first examine the last words and if its terminally cute,with rhymes,I neatly sidestep its message.I know that we can agree on our differences without any rancor.
» left by David Pekrul(3,700) David Pekrul (216 days 21 hours ago.)
Well, Paul, I guess I won't expect you to be reading any of mine. I am a rhymer; I love rhyming. I have written a few non-rhyming poems and I must admit that they did give a rather good punch to the seriousness of the topic, but still, rhyming is my thing.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Connor. Much appreciated. I hoped this small imperfect article would peek the interest of a few people and although just two contributors so far, it does prove how completely two sided the nature of this subject is, with very few people willing to reside in a middle ground area. Thanks again.
Very good point and poem. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think so is poetry. I've read prose written in a paragraph style that I thought could easily be poetry.
I think it is fun when it rhymes, but that is not a necessity for me. I can't imagine why people would waste their time to argue over the issue. Maybe they are just trying to validate themselves.
Thanks for reading David. Glad you liked it. I cannot claim to have invented the rhyme scheme however. I believe its a loose (perhaps very loose) interpretation of a "Lai" style poem. I cant remember if its ancient french or ancient welsh form! Thanks again.
» left by David Pekrul(3,700) David Pekrul (216 days 21 hours ago.)
I think if I look back at some of mine, I might have some that resemble that style also. I find that I have come up with all sorts of rhyming styles, without realizing that they may in fact be actual styles. I always say that I write what I feel, and sometimes that just comes out in so many different ways.
Julian, Great piece, I enjoyed it, and I am a published poet, and have several items of mine that have been published. I like all kinds of writing skills, I have given my poetry both flavors, I like free versing, and rhyming...I love David P. skills as a poet, and you have proven to be great at conveying your point, and your message, I liked your imagery...Good stuff....keep it up my friend, your fan and friend ...... Gary. You might want to give my "September 11th" a read....shortly after the event happened, the poem was published on the VA website....I was profoundly honored. Great piece....thanks again.
Hi Gary, Sorry its taken me so very long to thank you for your comment on Poetically Incorrect. I have no excuses other than busy busy busy! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment and I will get to the piece you mentioned in due course. Thanks Again!
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