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Notes About The Poem

"e e letter" is a playful and heartfelt tribute to the innovative and liberating style of poet e.e. cummings. It's written in a style inspired by his work, using unconventional spacing, punctuation, and capitalization to mimic his unique approach to language.

This poem is a personal reflection on the impact of Cummings' poetry. It celebrates his ability to break free from traditional forms and make words dance on the page. It also explores the feeling of being inspired by another artist and the desire to acknowledge that influence in a genuine way. I hope this poem captures the spirit of Cummings' work and encourages you to explore the power of language in new and unexpected ways.

Listen to poem:

e e letter

(a quick tap-tap-tapping on an imaginary typewriter, lowercase and scattered across the page)

dear e.e.

(i)
(a small(fan))
(me)

your words(they)
                        (dance)
                                 (like)
                                      (little)
                                             (birds)
                                                    (broken)
                                                               (free)
from                                                             (cages)
of                                                    (grammar)

(i)	(love)	(the way)	(you)	(make)	(words)	(do)
	(things)(they)	(never)      (did)	(before)	(like)
             (jumping)
(jumping)          (jumping)
                 (off)	    (cliffs)
                                              (of)
                                   (sentences)
                                              (and)
						(flying)
                                                                       (without)
                                                                        (wings)

 (i)	(use)	(your)		(way)
                       			(sometimes)
                             (in)
                            (my)
                           (own)
                    (little)    (poems)
                            (but)

((it) (feels)  (like)   (stealing)    (a)     (song)      (without)       (knowing)        (its)         (name))

 (so)
(e.e.)
(please)
                  (keep)
               (on)
       (doing)
(what)
       (you)
             (do)
                 (and)

(give)	(your)	(way)
(a)	       (name)

(so)       (i)        (can)       (say)
        (i)
(write)
        (in)
           (the)
               (style)
 (of)		(e.e.)		(something)
         (instead)              (of)
(feeling like) (a)
(thief of beauty)

(sincerely),,,

(a small(fan))
       (me)

allusionartfunlifeliteraturefree verse

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Reason A. Poteet

January 25, 2025 at 8:17 AM

I'm not particularly a "fan" or not of e.e. but you did well by him. I found your piece so interesting that I redid it without the ( ) and in the common letter style which would not impress Mr. Cummings or contest hosts. The meat of your tribute is remarkable. Congrats on your top placement, please work towards developing your own style independent or others. Be Joel!

Joel Hawksley

January 25, 2025 at 11:35 AM

The objective was to write a letter to my favorite poet and give him some advice. I have always been enamored by e.e. cummings' work. I appreciate how creativity can create a unique style that future generations can use as a template for their own poetry. I might not have developed an interest in poetry if I hadn't discovered how creatively expressive it can be. My favorite poetry styles include acrostic, concrete, and alphabetical forms. I still challenge myself to experiment with every style.

Christine K Munsell

January 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Wow, Joel, This is really wonderful! I love it so much.

Joel Hawksley

January 25, 2025 at 12:24 PM

I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

Jeanette Swan

January 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM

Yes, indeed! I love e e poems too, and your tribute here. I especially remember puddle-wonderful, and similar modern kennings. J :)

Jeanette Swan

January 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM

Thanks for your recommendation :)

Joel Hawksley

January 25, 2025 at 12:39 PM

I'm a terrible love poem writer compared to the greats, including many authors on PoetrySoup. That's why I have a special place for ‘love is more thicker than forget.’ e.e. Cummings' poem "[love is more thicker than forget]" is a rich and complex exploration of love's paradoxical nature, its power to transcend memory, and its infrequency. Through unconventional language, contrasting imagery, and paradoxical statements, Cummings crafts a unique and enduring tribute to the enduring power of love.