If We Shadows Have Offend, Think But This, And All Is Mended - Just That Archaic Poet's Blog

I really didn't expect anyone to read my last blog post and was shocked to see  how many people responded. I wasn't intentionally trying to be offensive or put  anyone's work down; I suppose I was just venting my frustration. I've noticed  that my sparse free-verse poems generally have more views than any of my rhyming pieces. I just feel like rhyme is so under-appreciated in these modern times and is a dying art form. On  other poetry sites, I was repeatedly slammed and ridiculed for rhyming, which is  why I chose "JustThatArchaicPoet" as my nom de plume when I joined the Soup. I  had no idea what to expect when I joined, so I created that moniker to beat any  detractors to the punch. I was going to poke fun at myself before anyone else  could. I was perpetually told I was "too archaic; too old-fashioned; outdated,  etc." and that I was bringing nothing new to the poetic table/arena, which  deeply wounded me. Maybe I have "Post Traumatic Poetic Distress Disorder"  lol.

Sometimes I feel like I am not taken seriously as a poet or writer  because rhyme is my forte, and even though I believe I do it well, I still feel  like a poetic pariah. It makes me second-guess myself. Some days I am confident  in my craft, considering I have been honing and perfecting my style for 24  years; yet other days, and most recently, my confidence vacillates. And perhaps  it's my own fault. I write what's in my Soul and try to stay true to my  aesthetic, but my work does not have a universal appeal. Sometimes I feel like  it's just too esoteric to be easily or readily understood by the average reader.  Perhaps my poetry is too melancholy, moody, gloomy or complex; too mired in  metaphor and/or symbolism. Maybe I have a habit of writing in the approach  of a "read between the lines" type of expression. Possibly it's that I am  too indirect; too vague.

I read in a comment that a poet felt like  rhyming sometimes feels "forced" and I have rarely ever felt this way when  writing, and that may be because rhyme comes naturally to me, like it's innate  and native to my Soul. I've never felt any restraint from rhyme, really. I have  chosen to write in free-verse and narrative styles because I felt like what I  wanted to express would best fit in those forms, but only on the rarest of  occasions. I don't find rhyme to be forced, restrictive or constrictive. I enjoy  putting my words into rhythm.

In summary, I just want to be taken  seriously as a poet and artist, and feel as though I would need to resort to  abandoning/sacrificing my style and aesthetic to accomplish this wish. I feel so  low on the totem pole due to the fact that I shy away from non-rhyme  formats which seem to be what's "hot"; what everyone is in to and  producing. I just cannot feign reverence for any style but rhyme, and perhaps  that makes me a narrow-minded person for having such a strong bias and  preference. I don't want to be perceived as a villain; I just want to be  accepted for my work, and by and large, I have found that here on The Soup, but  I still feel like the proverbial black sheep. Perhaps my mental illnesses cloud  my perceptions. I know; I know: I'm playing the mentally ill card, but the truth  is, they do affect my judgment, and I'll be the first to admit my thinking is  sometimes askew and I only see things in "black and white".

It was never my intent to offend anyone with my first blog post, and I sincerely apologize if I did so. I have a tendency to put the old foot in my mouth in addition to being impulsive and not thinking before I speak or type. I just want to make friends and be taken seriously as a poet, for the first time in my life. Thank you for reading (if you indeed made it this far lol). I appreciate all the feedback and comments. God bless! :)

Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/26/2013 1:14:00 PM I want to thank everyone for their thoughtful feedback. I'm like you, Andrea: sometimes I labor over a poem for hours and sometimes days. I started a poem the other night (my "Knock, Knock" piece) and only 3 lines came to me so I stopped; I knew if I tried to finish it, it would be forced. So, the next morning I looked at it with fresh eyes and the rest of it came to me effortlessly. I agree with everything you said, and I mostly agree with what everyone else has said as well. Again, thank you all for taking time to read and respond; it means a great deal to me and I sincerely appreciate it :) Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/26/2013 1:22:00 AM Hi, I'm glad you are getting feedback on your blogs. I think I was one who said rhyme can feel forced. I am always trying to make sure my rhymed sonnets do not sound forced. I spend literally hours on them sometimes to make sure they do not sound that way, but I see some writers who just put in any word to complete a rhyme, and I think those poets are doing a disservice to the craft. PUtting us rhymers in a bad light. LIke you, I am better at rhyme than at free verse. but I feel your pain because in this modern world, we rhymers can never "measure up" so I know exactly what you are saying!! People here are mostly respectful of each other. These discussions are common!! I love your work! Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/26/2013 1:09:00 PM I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful feedback and compliment, Andrea :)

James Marshall Goff Date: 10/25/2013 9:00:00 PM Chan....write what you want, my man! Scneikies! There are so many forms of poetry here....drop'im! Will check yours out now! And I always leave a note when I stop by! Soupers know that about me! Jimbo Login to Reply

Deb Wilson Date: 10/25/2013 7:53:00 PM Hello there Chan and welcome to the soup...I too prefer rhyme and when I write that is what feels natural to me.Yet not allpoets feel the same and that is awesome! Because it would be so boring if everyone wrote the same way...I enjoy the variety.There are so many wonderful talents here on the soup...that's why I love it... Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 10/25/2013 11:06:00 AM Cont...........And please do not think that rhymed poetry is outdated........I think it will remain classic, and everlasting..... Looking back at famous poets who wrote pieces that have survived the centuries as proof, that good poetry lives on and on... I am sorry that you ever felt 'archaic' on your old site by other poets. Here on the Soup you will find open minds, open hearts, poets of many talents.....we all have our preferences, styles, and personalities......but good poetry stands alone, no matter what form it takes. Thanks for sharing. Login to Reply Charmaine Chircop Date: 10/26/2013 7:07:00 AM Too too too tooo : ) Poet Destroyer A Date: 10/25/2013 8:12:00 PM Yes, I too too agree with Carrie :)

Carrie Richards Date: 10/25/2013 10:59:00 AM Hi "Just"...Please don't think any of us are offended.We often have such discussions like this, with various opinions, and it is nice to share our different points of view. It doesn't mean anyone is upset. We share poetry, and it is a wonderful thing, that we don't all write (or think) alike. That is what keeps life interesting! :) When I speak of preferring free verse, over rhyme..I am only speaking as the writer (me) it comes more naturally. But I do love a wonderfully crafted rhyme poem..admire the skill it takes to do it well. Same with a free verse poem. Either can make me feel emotion and take me to that amazing "place" if done well. I do find free verse, more "me" however :) Login to Reply