Jack Ellison Poet Quatrain

Simplify, Simplify

The sole purpose of anything written
Is certainly communication
If the reader is left in a state of confusion
It certainly needs clearer interpretation

Clarity should always be number one
Nothing's more important I find
Getting your point across quickly and simply
Without words from ancient times

What is the purpose of expressing oneself
If only you understand the motivation
Read it back like you're a first time reader
To determine if it needs clarification

The theme of a story sometimes gets clouded
Wrapped up in our fancy pants lingo
Take a deep breath and simplify, simplify,
And then all of a sudden... bingo!


© Jack Ellison 2013

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Timothy Hicks March 19, 2013 at 5:32 PM I guess I too can be a victim of rambling on in some of my works... sometimes people like the "abstractness" of it and I don't exactly disagree buuut it is good feel like you really GET something from what you read. Other times the vagueness of it can be intriguing... to look at it again from a different angle and find something new you didn't notice before. One way to practice this "anti-rambling" is writing haiku, LOL! Jack Ellison March 21, 2013 at 7:43 AM Not knocking anyone with different views on poetry! Everyone to their own approach, simplicity just happens to be mine! Perhaps my background in advertising could have much to do with that. Thanks Tim... always look forward to your comments... cheers, Jack

Debbie Duncan March 2, 2013 at 3:02 PM I like this Jack ;} Jack Ellison March 2, 2013 at 4:49 PM Thanks for the thumbs up my dear debbie! Huggggs, Jack xxx

Carol Eastman February 24, 2013 at 8:35 AM That's me... I'm a B.I.N.G.O... That's the fun part... Tho I have to mull it around for a day or two first... Kinda like the squirrels digging in my garden... LOL... The cave pictographs in my head start out the process... Then the little Trolls help add the words... Jack Ellison February 24, 2013 at 9:35 AM Quite an analogy there, my dearest Mrs. Eastmen! What would you do without those Trolls??? Hope you and Mike have a super Sunday! xox

Wayland Bunch February 24, 2013 at 4:16 AM I won't disagree with your message here. I know that sometimes I use double sense and imagery, but I try to remain clear, but I am guilty of this at times, not that my vocabulary is that complex. I guess in those cases, my audience is a smaller crowd, because for sure, if no one but me understands, what's the point of posting? I try and reach at least one person. I think by me explanation I feel more guilty than I've led on lol. Jack Ellison February 24, 2013 at 6:37 AM Communication, communication, communication... my motto! I appreciate your explanation, my friend! Cheers!

Wayland Bunch February 24, 2013 at 4:15 AM ... I have seen imagery at times that is very abstracted and in some ways seems too vague. Damn you Jack! Lol just kidding my friend. I know anyway I can't over complicate anything for you. Great work again. Jack Ellison February 24, 2013 at 6:35 AM Just my humble opinion, my friend! As they say in french, "chacun à son goût"... each to his own taste! Cheers my man!

Donna Jones February 23, 2013 at 7:09 PM Yes just say it...nice

Eileen Manassian February 23, 2013 at 6:03 PM HOW VERY TRUE! I like to think I use simple and not pretentious words! :) Great write, Jack! Thanks for the good advice. Jack Ellison February 24, 2013 at 6:30 AM Everyone has a style and shouldn't restrict themselves... BUT as far as I'm personally concerned, I'd rather read the lighter stuff! Sans prejudice! Love Jack xox

Jack Ellison February 23, 2013 at 1:38 PM Everyone is entitled to their opinion and respect yours. You are a very special exception to the poets I'm referring to. I'm referring to poets and their presentations that make sense only to these poets themselves. As I indicated, communication is what it's all about... without it, it is only the poet being self indulgent! Without prejudice... cheers to you my good man!

Guru Jad February 23, 2013 at 12:56 PM Allow me, Sir, to differ with you, And I pray not to be deemed as a shrew. For every place there is a world of vocabulary, Words you hear at a party aren't like those at a cemetery! Simplification has led to the loss of words, Those that are highlighted in favor of swords. If you will go simple and I will plain, Our heritage will be lost without disdain! We need to enrich and revive the beauty people are away from, I chose a way and you are free to use any form! ... With all due respect, Jad. Jack Ellison February 23, 2013 at 1:39 PM Everyone is entitled to their opinion and respect yours. You are a very special exception to the poets I'm referring to. I'm referring to poets and their presentations that make sense only to these poets themselves. As I indicated, communication is what it's all about... without it, it is only the poet being self indulgent! Without prejudice... cheers to you my good man!

Daver Austin February 23, 2013 at 9:38 AM Bravo! If I can't identify on first reading, I turn the page. I fully agree - writing, for me, is for communication. Long words without something stupendous to say merely make me angry. daver Jack Ellison February 23, 2013 at 9:46 AM It seems we are on the same page here, my friend! Thanks for a great positive response, Daver! Cheers!

Demetrios Trifiatis February 23, 2013 at 7:11 AM Wise advise my friend that we all should follow! Thank you Jack, Great writing Jack Ellison February 23, 2013 at 7:18 AM You are always so supportive... you give the big push to start my engine each day! Cheers to you my good friend!

Ilene Bauer February 23, 2013 at 5:58 AM nice one! love the last verse... Jack Ellison February 23, 2013 at 6:03 AM Don't think I can ever be accused of "fancy pants" lingo! LOL Thanks Ilene! Huggggs!