Gary Bateman Poet Quatrain

Notes About The Poem

Author's Notes:  I share with you, my fellow poets, my particular view and take on what "Words" mean and symbolize to me regarding poetry.  I do not pretend to be a know-it-all or any type of certain visionary.  The "Words" as reflected in this piece comprise what I see, sense, and contemplate every time I sit down to sketch out my ideas and thoughts, and to put my pen to paper or fingers to the computer keyboard to develop and write a poetic theme of interest.  I hope this poem (and view point) helps to stimulate thought and discussion among ourselves within our Poetry Soup community of poets and artists.  We all have different approaches to ideas and things as we write poetry and visualize events, but that kind of variety is what makes what we do so valuable and rewarding.  Enjoy!!  (Gary Bateman - September 23, 2014) 

A Poet's View On Words

Words are the quintessential mystical fabric and common medium of all poetry.
Words often portray what the poet sees, senses, feels, imagines, and even dreams.
The very magic of poetry comes to life from a deliberate woven process
Of words enveloped into thoughts, metaphors, beliefs, situations, and emotions.

There is a saying in the original Latin: “Verba sunt indices animi,”
Which when rendered in English is: “Words are the indices of the mind.”
Words, in the poetic sense, form the ethereal undergirding for these indices
And beckon all poets to think deeply and precisely—and to challenge their thoughts.

As poets develop and expand the precious word treasures of their minds,
They begin to see and sense over time a deeper understanding of the human psyche,
And a greater appreciation for the complex circumstances and interactions of people
Which drive the human endeavor—good, bad, happy, sad, glad or indifferent.

Words then form the very symbolic arrows in the poet’s quiver to be employed
With thoughtful care and meaning, enraptured intent, and an enchanted vision.
We as poets should strive for nothing less as we reflect on our poetic visions, 
For these can be always visualized in: “Words are the indices of the ‘poetic’ mind."

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, Schoeningen, Germany (September 23, 2014)

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Laura Breidenthal September 26, 2014 at 6:15 PM You are a very fine poet...I really like these lines: "The very magic of poetry comes to life from a deliberate woven process Of words enveloped into thoughts, metaphors, beliefs, situations, and emotions." It is clear your contemplation on this subject are very deep..this inspired me to focus deeply on challenging my thoughts when writing... Always,Laura Gary Bateman October 3, 2014 at 10:10 PM Laura, Thanks so much!! Your words are both endearing and are very kind. It helps me and others sometimes to take a break from the normal fare of writing to contemplate the whys and wherefores of what we do with words, metaphors, themes and emotions. This helps me as I write and I'm glad I've helped you too!! Best!! Gary

Ma Yaseen September 26, 2014 at 7:43 AM You have perfectly done it, you have mastered your words.... Splendid Work... indeed, “Words are the indices of the ‘poetic’ mind." your words speak about the great poet in you.. Gary Bateman September 26, 2014 at 8:45 AM Malik, Thank you very much for your very kind words and your wonderful comment. I am very glad that this poem has gained some traction in reviews from fellow PoetrySoupers like yourself. We all might define what we do somewhat differently, but the result should be same, namely: Great Poetry!! Cheers, Gary

Robert Nehls September 25, 2014 at 6:52 AM Hi, Gary. You certainly do have a way with words. You have given to us a great insight into the world of a poet. The never ending world of observation that drives us to express in whatever poetic fashion we choose. As Jerry says, you have defined the poet quite well and I will put this one into my favorites. Thank you for your view on words. I certainly did enjoy it..... Robert. Gary Bateman September 25, 2014 at 8:41 AM Hello Robert. Thank you very much for your very gracious comment. I'm glad I struck a positive chord here with this particular write. I gave this one some considerable thought based on my own experience and other writers I've known. Hearing back from both you and Jerry is a great compliment. I look forward to reading more of your works too. Best Wishes, Gary

Jerry T Curtis September 24, 2014 at 6:23 PM Gee Gary I think Wikipedia should use your definition For "Poet". You are so spot on. Gary Bateman September 24, 2014 at 6:39 PM Hey Jerry, Thanks for your read. And thanks so much my man for your very kind comment here. I am very pleased that my words here, among those of other poets too, are helping to define a little better what our inner vision drive is all about. I will check your poems out too. Best Wishes to you. Gary

Samson Rapando September 24, 2014 at 3:25 AM Hey Gary, Thanks for your comment on my poem, 'Words of a Poet' I am really fascinated by your play of words, it brings out the poet in you. I would love to write just like you some day. I must admit that your work is just on another level. Big ups Gary Bateman September 24, 2014 at 8:50 AM Samson, Thanks for checking out my latest work here and for your very kind words. I really liked your poem very much too, and will continue checking out your poems. I've been writing actually for a number of years prior to becoming involved with PoetrySoup. Over the years I learned from other writers I admired. It just takes much time, patience, and persistence. My Best Wishes to you . . . Gary

Jan Allison September 23, 2014 at 2:37 PM A very intuitive write Gary - since I have been writing I visualise 'my world' differently and am able to express myself in a way i never dreamed possible. I am growing in skill and confidence every day and am having so much fun and I feel fulfilled:-) Hugs Jan xxx Jan Allison September 23, 2014 at 4:03 PM You are too kind with your praise Gary i still have 'l' plates on as far as my poetry skills are concerned - but wonderful comments like this spur me on thank you:-) hugs jan xxx Gary Bateman September 23, 2014 at 4:00 PM Jan, Thank you for your comments!! I feel the same way you do about visualizing "my world" differently now too since I'm writing quite frequently. It's great having the privilege to interact and exchange ideas with a very talented writer like yourself. You're right about the growing skill and confidence too. Cheers, Gary

Liam Mcdaid September 23, 2014 at 2:36 PM very beautifully drawn excellent piece of writing love your vision in this Gary Bateman September 23, 2014 at 3:54 PM Liam, Thank you so much for your wonderful comment here. I will be checking out more of your poems too in the future. I caught your poem of the day (today), which was truly great. I invite you also to take a read my poetry too in the future. Best Wishes, Gary

Nette Onclaud September 23, 2014 at 12:14 PM very informative and expressed with eloquence, gary... huggs Gary Bateman September 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM Hello Nette . . . I really appreciate your reading of my work and your quite nice comment. I tried to capture what the "Words" mean to me. I really think that all of us who write have our own take on what Words mean to each of us in poetry. That's what gives all of us variety in what we see, do, and write. Best Wishes, Gary