What do YOU think - Suzette Richards's Blog

When reading poetry we do not, as a rule, concentrate on the design that went into it, but are first and foremost made aware of our own reactions to it. Often a poem would resonate with a reader during different periods in his lifetime and take on new significance with each new reading. Poetry is the comfort food of our youth which nourishes our memories. In our more mature years, it might be a source of reflection.

What does it all mean? If the meaning of a poem is too readily found, it is not poetry.  Keeping the content simple enough to reach a larger audience of all ages, might be the answer. When writing poetry, we have a plethora of poetic devices at our disposal and only need to call on our muse to pen an outstanding poem. But can it be as simple as all that?

What to write about often poses a problem as everything seems to have been said before and might come across as yet another cliché. Even memes are rip-offs of one another. To be able to express oneself in original terms might seem like a daunting task. However, the use of unusual words or words that are no longer fashionable or archaic might make or break a poem.

Why write a long, narrative poem* when keeping it short and sweet† might seem to be the easy way out? Or is it? The snowflakes aside, not all topics are suitable to be the subject of a poem; not in the mainstream where a poet might meet with some resistance. Know your audience. Which poetic form to choose to suit the topic, might leave one scratching one’s head. The correct execution of a particular poetic form, however, does not guarantee its success. It needs soul!

In the following tanka I did exactly that, honouring the design format, but all the tea in China would not have saved this abomination of a ‘poem’. Only the stout of heart will Google search the background to this disturbing event on Gough Island in the South Atlantic.

house mice hunt

humungous albatross

fastidious?

luscious sushi platter

ruined by plastic chopsticks

Over-thinking a poem kills it dead in its tracks. What do YOU think makes for a better than average poem?

Have a great weekend.

Happy quills!

Suzette

Optional Reading

*The Heir (poetrysoup.com)

*View From Basement Flat (poetrysoup.com)

†a lark (poetrysoup.com)

†The End of the Line (poetrysoup.com)