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A BLOG for you to answer Julia's question - Brian Strand's Blog

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English experiential poet of open verse& creator of the FOOTLE (singular form)&EMAGI digital reverse ekphrasis.A regular @PS since 2007 ,with 9500+ poems posted&sponsor of 1260 contests ( Amazon books- (500+) reviews)GOOGLE my POETRY BLOGS @https://www.blogger.com/profile/02166493604739619406.Read an Ekphrasis e-book for free @ http://free-ekphrasis-ebook.blogspot.com/

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A BLOG for you to answer Julia's question

Blog Posted:3/17/2017 4:58:00 AM

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Phil
Capitano

Date: 3/23/2017 4:26:00 PM

I've been writing (not just poetry) since the late sixties and have studied English Lit but this does not make me an expert just well read. Good poetry should make a connection with it's audience in some way and does not require adjectives but imagery leads the reader into a space beyond the words (see my poem "Waiting" for simplicity of thought but great depth). The idea should be evident but relate a concept less obvious. Rumi is the perfect example of this, the words he chooses represent something else yet superficially his poems can be understood and enjoyed yet have a deeper meaning often overlooked. This is why he is so well loved; different strokes for different folks. My opinion.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 3/21/2017 9:21:00 AM

Poets will never agree on what defines poetry. We cannot say what is required to be within a written piece for it to be regarded as poetry. And then, we can't say what a poem must contain in order to be considered good poetry. But I will say imagery can give a poem intensity, a heartbeat, a lasting impression. And adjectives are usually best left to a minimum. Imagery and adjectives do not go hand in hand. Image can be found in a poem that does not contain even a single adjective. A poem can evoke thought and delight the senses at the same time. In fact, the best poems in the world have done this. They encompass what it is to be fully alive, aware of our place on the planet. I invite others to give the title(s) of their favourite poem(s,) and I'm fairly confident that the poem(s) will contain depth, both in image and in idea or message. It may be worthy to explore the balance in another blog. Thanks for this, Brian. I'm about to return to writing my novel (daughter was off on March break last week and it exhausted me. Must return to my mystery novel today!) Cheers, Cyndi

Brian Strand
Date: 3/21/2017 11:19:00 AM

Yes Cyndi.your idea about title etc and imagery content is an interesting topic and would indeed make a good separate blog .Perhaps I'll take it up .Best wishes with the novel ( and the joys of motherhood! / parenthood) the latter are for life

Julia
Ward

Date: 3/21/2017 2:14:00 AM

I've only just seen this Blog, Brian - sorry. I have kept my Blog and comments' box closed recently due to a few trolls. I've opened poem comments pro tem.

Frederic
Parker

Date: 3/18/2017 6:29:00 PM

If I want to see a beautiful lake, I can see one in a photo or painting in real life..hmmm a photo or a painting is not real life they are tools that represent real life like words from a book of poetry.I'm glad Lewis and Clark took 2 of these three tools with them to describe to Jefferson what the US looked liked..the one they didn't take was photo.. if there is real life there is fake life..should the poet write about real life or fake life?I can describe fake life in a poem, I can paint fake life, can't take a photo of fake life only a photo of something that is fake..words matter and always will..unless you want a poem that says "There is a lake in real life"

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 3/21/2017 9:09:00 AM

Love your comments. I get it. I just think poetic imagery is about seeing something in a new light, or better put EXPERIENCING something in a fresh way -- all the senses come into play. Image and thought can exist side by side; each can enhance the other. Cheers!

Frederic Parker
Date: 3/19/2017 10:24:00 PM

craig I believe only you and I have been around long enough to know who Professor Irwin Corey was..thanks for the chuckle..oh and yes I believe most people only see the world as far as the length of their arm..such a tiny world

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/19/2017 3:49:00 PM

LOL--Just thinking after reading what I just wrote that I should dedicate that to the memory of Professor Irwin Corey (if ya catch my whatever)

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/19/2017 3:44:00 PM

Hi Frederic, so many thoughts so little time and I know your words fake and real are metaphors within the thoughts but "riding your wave"...is real only what you see (?) and if that is true, what tiny worlds we would inhabit, yet we have the "art" of those who have been there to help us expand our tiny "real" world, and better yet, as you so aptly expressed, the poet or one deft with pen to help us "see" what we have not seen or even better see what we have.

Kabuteng P.Ink
K.

Date: 3/18/2017 1:09:00 PM

as for some semblance of my reply to the question: I still think it all boils down to subjectivity. some enjoy imagery, some do not; some like to show, some like to tell; but yeah-- for me it's all about the balance. I do agree about the overload on adjectives, or anything for that matter. For me, I would consider a single line to be a poem if it has that perfect melding of artistry, flow, thought & imagery (but this is just me) as opposed to a longer poem that gets lost and is scattered. For me, poetry is art, where words are the medium, and the canvas is the reader's heart & mind/what-have-you. Because again, poetry is subjective, even the interpretation of it becomes differentiated,cont'd

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 3/21/2017 9:22:00 AM

:D What I just said. I should have just "dittoed" you.

Kabuteng P.Ink
K.

Date: 3/18/2017 1:01:00 PM

Hahaha_have to hand it to you, Brian, for being so witty with this blog. Even if my eyelids are dropping now, I will defy them and reply here. I just finished some deadlines and took a peek here and saw this. Thanks for putting this up as an avenue for replies, as for the comments being off in that blog, maybe it's expected some can send it telepathically? But my telepathic powers are out in lala land. So let me babble with my sleep fogged brain, pls excuse me if I am more scatterbrained than usual. I find that question to be so sweeping: why use "we"? -- umm for me, poetry is subjective, unless you're one of the 3 musketeers, or parts of those couples who say "we're preggers" ;p

Anthony
Mark

Date: 3/18/2017 6:05:00 AM

Descriptive words, mmmm, not sure a litterance of them is good for anything other than to hide unclever thinking...sometimes the reader needs to engage with the write and not have a word thrust upon them, it's far too easy to alienate the reader by not involving him/her, self indulgent writing negates the art of coercion and isolates the writer in a " look what I can do " cage , that's " cage" ..not " impenetrable cage" See you all saw a cage, but it's upto you to add your creative word not me..so to sum up .......lol

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 3/21/2017 9:36:00 AM

Always the tightrope I walk. Then you go and make it look easy, like a freefall that ends on a hammock. And you're still holding a full glass of water without a drop spilt. I'd hate you if I didn't like you so much :P And I know you get me.

Daniel
Turner

Date: 3/17/2017 2:31:00 PM

i had to comment here. to think, words were to only be used in an intellectual sense, makes me wonder why this person decided she liked poetry. when someone reads a poem/story they want to be able to put themselves in the place of the main character or writer. if not for descriptive words, how could one do that? skies are not always blue and not all sad people cry. my opinion is, for every person who reads to be able to understand without reaching for a dictionary. when uncommon words are used or if a subject is too vague, the reader loses interest and the material seems either generic or high brow. my $.02

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/17/2017 7:03:00 PM

Agreed Daniel, I just watched a commercial and they used the words harder and relax and put together they said "relax harder"---awesome uncommon word pairing which we all know what it means but in a very different way than usual.

Jan Allison
Date: 3/17/2017 6:46:00 PM

There are many poets I admire on soup Armand is a poet whose work I love and his free verse is absolutely breath taking:-) hugs jan xx

Daniel Turner
Date: 3/17/2017 6:44:00 PM

when i start thinking of descriptive writer's, the first person who comes to my mind is nette. when i read one of her poems, usually, i am there, so to speak. she uses very vivid descriptions, albeit, poetic. ok, i'm thru. thank you for letting me join the discussion.

Daniel Turner
Date: 3/17/2017 6:15:00 PM

for instance paloma's writings. unique word pairings made her poems extraordinary. winged warrior is another that comes to mind. would you agree? as for the style i write, using everyday words, in order to keep it interesting, i must be very descriptive, otherwise it sounds childish or elementary. agreed?

Caycay Jennings
Date: 3/17/2017 6:09:00 PM

Only journalists need stick to the who, what, when, where, why and how, never creative writers. In fact, I wish journalist would just stick to the facts! I, too, am confused why such a mind set would be attracted to poetry. It's an individual's right, their journey, but such thoughts will never be embraced by the majority of poets. Imagery is an art, it is what those who can't write ew and ah over and it is what can grab and hold readers in spellbound fashion. Hope you're feeling okay, Daniel - sending you healing thoughts.

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/17/2017 5:47:00 PM

Hi Daniel, you always have an interesting take on thought provoking blogs, yet you came to a proverbial stop sign here and took a turn which I seek to clarify if I may. I agree with not using uncommon words. Hemingway always said that if a reader has to stop and look up words they won't bother and you will lose them but in poetry or poetic prose it is uncommon word parings which create an interesting ambiance within the write - common words or thoughts that, together, create pause for reflexion.

Daniel Turner
Date: 3/17/2017 4:33:00 PM

i agree, paloma's poems were enjoyable. i'll admit i had to look up a few words but i still enjoyed her poems. i like all types of poetry, i was only arguing the point about descriptive words. for instance: see the cat. see the yellow cat. see the fat yellow cat. etc the more one can describe the subject, the better for the reader. just simply saying , the cat, one could be talking about a jungle cat. descriptive words are a must, depending on the type of poem/story one is writing. if one is writing a technical paper. being descriptive certainly helps, especially if the reader is technically challenged like me. the more precise one can describe how to do something the easier it will be to do

Jan Allison
Date: 3/17/2017 2:58:00 PM

Bravo Daniel I agree with you totally, if something is so high brow only the writer understands what it is about and also prevents people from even commenting on it, to me it defeats the object of writing - I write simple poems - they may be poop but at least they make people smile:-) hope you are healing my friend:-) hugs jan xx

Anthony
Mark

Date: 3/17/2017 9:41:00 AM

I think Julia actually writes some provocative mind blowing stuff, it's raw, current and authentic, almost child-like ..yet on a par with a madness thinking it's mad...a couple of years ago I hated it to be fare, ..but have come to realise, ..inside the simple is an unusual finger curl to enter....good blog....

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/17/2017 4:57:00 PM

hope----sorry

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/17/2017 4:54:00 PM

Hi Ian, Isn't madness wonderful? Hop you're enjoying it as much as I.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/17/2017 10:48:00 AM

Provocative? Ummm...No. You're provocative, Ian. Childlike? Often. Raw? Like a scab that won't heal. One of the problems about Julia is that she doesn't give us the opportunity to express our opinions on her writes, although she makes no qualms about expressing hers before she slams the door on us. I'm trying my best to be nice. See my smile? :-)

Barry
Stebbings

Date: 3/17/2017 6:36:00 AM

When writing poetry we all express what is within ourselves and we are all different. My background is in science and so I naturally tend toward observational work. Others write spiritual pieces and some express feelings and relationships. In some of my work I have tried to paint the English countryside as I experience it, which is all about imagery and description. Yes Julia, it is a pity you do not let us answer your blogs. We are all vulnerable when we write something for comment.

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 7:46:00 AM

Yes Barry our green and pleasant land has inspired much of my poetry as well

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 7:38:00 AM

Someone wrote a poem here about me a while back , no greater compliment can there be.

Jan
Allison

Date: 3/17/2017 6:26:00 AM

Bravo Brian - if the other blog had said what do 'I' want from a poem it would have made perfect sense but as per usual she is answering for everyone. I totally disagree especially regarding imagery and 'intellectual poems' (why write poems only the writer understands and no one can comment on) I write fun poems to entertain but some also have a serious message. If my poems can make someone smile that is the best thing in the world:-)

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 7:42:00 AM

Someone wrote a poem here about me a while back , no greater compliment can there be.

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 7:36:00 AM

Jan it has been said to me here on PS that our innate character shows through in our poetry and art.For me I am an Imagist through and through.I guess so many experiences make us who we are.Have a fun day

Jan Allison
Date: 3/17/2017 6:33:00 AM

I had the most lovely poem written for me recently - the author said it was that I remind her that writing should first and foremost be fun!

Lu
Loo

Date: 3/17/2017 6:11:00 AM

Wow Brian, you're awesome to allow us all to comment on a blog that doesn't "allow" comments~~~ We all look for different things in our poetry. That's what makes us all different and equally creative. To me, description and imagery is just as important if not more than intellectual. I enjoy lots of imagery and metaphors, but that's just me. We all are here for the same reason- I write what makes me feel good for myself I would like to give the reader a sense of understanding and relation to my words. Thank you Brian, unfortunately we are not allowed to give feedback on the original blog~ :) -luloo

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 6:19:00 AM

I'm with you Laura,imagery and metaphor,but as you say we are all different and PS can easily accommodate it ...vive la difference

Lin
Lane

Date: 3/17/2017 5:31:00 AM

How thoughtful and clever of you, Brian...to actually offer everyone a chance to answer that question. We all know what she wants from her poems. Pity she never allows her blogs to be open to comments. I suppose we all know why..... I'll tell you what I would like to receive from my poetry...it's to draw a reader in far enough for him/her to think, 'I've felt this way,' or 'I'd love to be in such a place.' I'd wish for my lines to bring a smile, laughter, or a tear from a tender memory. If I could evoke such emotions, I would feel as though I've touched someone, in some small way. Thank you, Brian, for the opportunity to express our thoughts in a positive manner.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 3/21/2017 8:59:00 AM

Love this, Lin! If a poem connects to the reader, the poem has done what it should.

Jan Allison
Date: 3/17/2017 8:33:00 AM

Perfect description Lin... I love your sentiments there :-) hugs Jan xx

Brian Strand
Date: 3/17/2017 6:12:00 AM

Strand Avatar Brian Strand Date: 3/17/2017 6:11:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry Yes indeed Lin ,we are on the same wave length.For me , to create one 'as is moment' in another is my raison d'etre for writing.Happily this delightful workshop of ours has always done that

My Past Blog Posts


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A MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS DAY Date Posted: 12/24/2021 11:12:00 AM
TITLES & poetry Date Posted: 8/20/2021 5:50:00 AM
POETIC motivation Date Posted: 8/14/2021 1:49:00 AM
POETIC DEVICES an observation Date Posted: 8/13/2021 1:31:00 AM
WHY POETIZE Date Posted: 8/11/2021 3:13:00 PM
POETICS an observation Date Posted: 8/10/2021 3:33:00 AM
READING ALOUD the apex of poetry Date Posted: 8/2/2021 3:58:00 AM
IMAGIST impressions Date Posted: 7/19/2021 12:21:00 AM
QUINTAIN CINQUAIN PENTASTICH take your pick Date Posted: 7/15/2021 1:07:00 AM
PROSE an observation Date Posted: 7/13/2021 12:21:00 AM
JULY 4 an historic event Date Posted: 7/4/2021 9:16:00 AM
BYRON modesty & fishing for praise -a quote Date Posted: 6/30/2021 12:54:00 AM
A B C D E of poetry Date Posted: 6/27/2021 2:03:00 AM
TEST MATCH SPECIAL an historic event Date Posted: 6/17/2021 3:55:00 AM
To rime OR not THAT is the question inc UPDATE Date Posted: 6/14/2021 12:28:00 AM
SHOW not TELL always is POETRY done WELL Date Posted: 6/9/2021 1:21:00 AM
PERFECT in UNIQUENESS the EKPHRASIS Date Posted: 6/1/2021 12:48:00 AM
PERFORMANCE or when poetry became an art inc UPDATE Date Posted: 5/26/2021 7:20:00 AM
BReAKiNG THE GLASS CeILING Date Posted: 5/23/2021 1:18:00 AM
Poetry and Prose CLOSE COUNTRY COUSINS Date Posted: 5/17/2021 12:43:00 AM
SHAVUOT a historic event Date Posted: 5/16/2021 12:11:00 AM
POETRY is it really an ART Date Posted: 5/12/2021 12:22:00 AM
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POETIC inspiration A LIVING event Date Posted: 4/25/2021 3:50:00 AM

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5/8/2024	the ' PALINDROME' for me	Bio	christian,father,father s
5/7/2024	-CHORALISTA-	Didactic	music,voice,
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5/7/2024	DELUSION	Other	destiny,
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5/3/2024	word USP II munch	Shape	art,sound,word play,
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5/2/2024	word USP 1 pollock	Shape	art,word play,
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4/30/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XXXIII	Ekphrasis	art,
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4/28/2024	-SUNDAY AFTERNOON at KALAHARI	Rhyme	africa,animal,word play,
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4/26/2024	SL ecphrasis couplet VIII	Ekphrasis	art,
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4/25/2024	SURREALITY	Other	surreal,word play,
4/25/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XXVII	Ekphrasis	art,
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4/25/2024	SL ecphrasis couplet VII	Ekphrasis	art,
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4/24/2024	SUPPORTISTA viallat	Didactic	art,
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4/23/2024	MIRROR a reflection	Bio	beauty,
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4/22/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XXIII	Ekphrasis	art,
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4/21/2024	INTIMISTA bonnard vuillard	Didactic	art,
4/21/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XXII	Ekphrasis	art,
4/20/2024	HOBBY 1 art 2 poetry 3 contest	Bio	art,community,encouraging
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4/20/2024	ICONISTA van dyck	Didactic	art,
4/20/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XXI	Ekphrasis	art,
4/19/2024	SL ecphrasis couplet I	Ekphrasis	art,
4/19/2024	HISTORISTA david ingres	Didactic	art,
4/19/2024	CLERIHEW ecphrasis XX	Ekphrasis	art,
4/18/2024	THE LIFE	Acrostic	christian,life,
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A BLOG for you to answer Julia's question - Brian Strand's Blog

A BLOG for you to answer Julia's question

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