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A Brief Word On Punctuation In Poetry

Must we debate the virtues of a period Or even a comma at the end of a line? As poets we will do well to remember Sometimes no punctuation, at all, is just fine! Then there are those who use ellipses Which mean nothing when and if, in fact, The line which these little dots follow Is completely devoid of the meaning it lacked! A word on the absence of the semi-colon So absolutely necessary in congenial prose, But in poetry is almost never employed; Absent in almost all poems, scarcely missed I suppose! Written September 24, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/26/2022 12:07:00 PM

I think many of us who have written technically have difficulty not punctuating; I know that I do.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2022 12:16:00 PM

In writing, I probably spend more time reflecting on the punctuation than I do other factors. In poetry, not so much. I try to use it wherever I think it's needed, but I will often write a sentence a leave out the period. I guess you've noticed! (chuckling)

Michael Tor

Date: 9/25/2022 4:34:00 PM

Milton I feel your many years of creative writing experience and knowledge of grammar and punctuation. For some of us frankly, have not the education to know these important rules of writing, grammar, and punctuation. I for one would be honest in saying for myself and wonder how many others need a creative writing course. We can study proper grammar usage and correct ourselves. Many won't go through the trouble, of going back to school and taking a refresher course in writing. I can understand how

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2022 6:34:00 PM

Aw, I appreciate your confidence in me, but there are many here who are far more competent to put together such a blog than I am. I do think an understanding of grammar and punctuation make our prose and poetry much easier to read and certainly are valuable in writing for publication. I think you have excellent skills, Michael.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/25/2022 4:43:00 PM

Ps I am sure many will appreciate your efforts in doing so. It is quite an undertaking if you choose to help... Please give it some thought...

Michael Tor
Date: 9/25/2022 4:38:00 PM

you feel for you taught proper grammar, and English writing. There is a part of you that gets taken aback when seeing improper punctuation. I would encourage you to write a blog explaining the many mistakes we as writers commit in a series of blogs. To inform us, and help us, be better writers. You are the man to do it. Just a thought my friend...

I Am Anaya

Date: 9/25/2022 2:12:00 PM

ee cummings used all lower-case letters. As for commas, when a child speaks, he/she doesn't pause, children have their own spoken colloquialism. I am grateful for the lessons Milt!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2022 4:02:00 PM

Aw, thanks, Anaya...just having a bit of fun!

John Lawless

Date: 9/25/2022 6:18:00 AM

Milton, have you ever watched Victor Borge's hilarious take on Punctuation? You should be able to find it on u tube

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2022 8:57:00 AM

I have, John. And, I laugh myself to tears everytime I see it. He was such a master!

Jeff Kyser

Date: 9/24/2022 7:33:00 PM

I think I’m possessed by a free muse and a punctuating muse who are determined to drive me insane…

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 9:52:00 PM

Hmmm...well, quite frankly Jeff, I used commas to indicate a pause in the reading or to separate two independent clauses. A period to me means a "full stop" in the reading. Ellipses I use sparingly to indicate the reader can fill in whatever he or she wishes. Semi-colons, well, I threw this one in for the fun of it. Rarely in actuality! And sometimes I just don't use any punctuation at all, if it suits me.