Gary Bateman Poet Didactic

Notes About The Poem

Author’s Notes:  "Chronicler of Events and Emotions" is a Didactic poem I finished on February 7, 2015.  With this write, I present my views on the things I believe are important, especially to me, as I observe and write on events and related poetic themes.  For me it's not enough to just write about thoughts, themes, and events.  I believe that we as poets have a special charge to function as a "conscience of mankind," especially when dealing with a topic or theme of greater societal import. Reflecting this level of depth, commitment, and passion when we converse on topics of human understanding and decency, for example, calls for a very high level of intellectual judgment and compassion.  After all, I believe as poets this is and should be what we're all very much about.  (Gary Bateman - May 3, 2015) (Didactic)

Categories:  allegory, imagery, introspection, metaphor, poetry, symbolism, and writing.

Chronicler of Events and Emotions

Chronicler of Events and Emotions

As a Poet and as a Writer . . . 
I’m a Chronicler of Events and Emotions;
I watch, observe, and record all that I see.
It’s truly enough to absorb and understand
Both the grandeur and depravity of mankind.

As I observe events—past, present, and future
And delve into any emotions that are at hand,
I make doubly sure to comment at will while
Showing no fear and sparing not the “sting” of
My words as a poet as a situation may command.

I can and should do no less on every theme I
Approach as a poet and a writer—for all of us who
Pursue this passionate path of refined exposition
Should realize that though we all may fulfill a very
Needed function of recounting and relating events,
Situations and emotions—we should never fear in
Providing, at times, a much-needed “conscience”
To a theme, event or situation as it unfolds.

And so it’s suitable for us poets to function at times
As a “conscience of mankind” and to be not afraid
To reflect this in our poems when the necessity of
A circumstance or situation pleads for it out of a 
Compassionate need for human understanding and
Obvious decency.

For what are we as poets and writers, if we don’t
Undertake a deeper and more exalted approach to 
What we do and really attempt to become “one” with 
The human event, emotion, situation or relationship
We are writing about?

If we don’t do it—who will?

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, 
May 3, 2015 (Didactic)

*Appears in my new book under release date February 7, 2015.

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Kelly Deschler May 5, 2015 at 2:36 PM Yes, our words may sting at times, but there are some things that need to be said, and heard... You do write genuinely from the heart and in my eyes, that is what turns a writer into a poet. An excellent piece, Gary! Gary Bateman May 5, 2015 at 4:16 PM Thanks Kelly for your well-said comments. Coming from you especially, they are very much appreciated. I too appreciate the depth and reach of your poetry as well. Having the passion and the "fire-in-the-belly" so to speak goes a long way in help each of us achieve what we hopefully desire as we write poetry. I agree the connection from the "heart" quite important. Who wants to be a mere writer? Best Always, Gary

Kp Nunez May 5, 2015 at 12:43 PM Splendid write, Gary. Yes, if we don't do it - who will, indeed? A 7. Welcome back. Hugs! Kim :) Gary Bateman May 5, 2015 at 2:01 PM Hello Kim!! Many more poems for me to post yet. Thanks for your note, the "7" and the welcome back. I noticed with great interest that it looks like your poetry has caught on fire now!! Bravo!! I knew it would. My new book "Conversations with My Muse," was released worldwide on April 9th and is now available with Amazon and other book vendors. Got a second book planned in the future, but it won't be for a while yet. Glad to be back. Will drop by your site. Best Always, Gary

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser May 4, 2015 at 9:56 PM Gary, well-penned and beautifully expressed!!! as always though!!~olive eloisa A7 for me Gary Bateman May 5, 2015 at 11:39 AM Hello Olive Eloisa . . . Thanks for your wonderful comment here and for the "7." I just got back with PS a couple of weeks ago as I was away over two months finalizing my new book of poetry released worldwide on April 9th: "Conversations with My Muse." I will drop by to check out your poems. Best Always, Gary

Sara Kendrick May 3, 2015 at 5:24 PM Great thoughts penned in this one..Enjoyed reading it today..Sara Gary Bateman May 3, 2015 at 5:35 PM Thanks Sara for your wonderful note here! I must get by for a visit to check out your poems. I just recently returned from a self-imposed 2+ month sabbatical from the Soup to get my first book of poetry published, which was finally released 9 April. Great to Be Back!! Best Always, Gary