Poetry :)
When it comes to similarities and differences between writing poetry and writing about poetry, I happen to notice more differences than similarities. Some similarities include an emphasis on feelings and emotions as well as incorporating opinions. However, for the differences the list tends to be a bit longer. This can include how when writing about poetry we tend to try to figure out why the poet included this and if the literary elements contribute meaning to the overall point of the poem. Also, when writing about poetry we tend to take apart the poem line by line, stanzas, syllables, the form, and so on. On the other hand, when writing poetry we tend to follow what is speaking to us. If the poem sounds better free verse than a sonnet then that's what it will be. A poet does not necessarily break apart their own poem or even analyze it. Sometimes they aren't even the ones behind the poem just the ones writing it. Writing about poetry did help me when it came to writing my own poem. I realized that with the analysis previously done, I know what a reader looks for when it comes to reading a poem. However, I also realized that most people read poetry because it focuses on feeling rather than fact. This helps me remember that I need to be vulnerable enough on paper so that the reader can feel the feeling I am wanting to express. I learned plenty from the experience that I will definitely incorporate in my teaching. I realized that opening up to a group of strangers, in a way, helps me understand that expressing my feelings through a poem might help me connect with another person. To me, poetry is like saying it without saying it. The mere fact of standing in front of the class and saying what I wanted to say without explaining it or even truly saying it was comforting. I think this also will help my students in the future to realize the power that words hold. We tend to forget about the creative side of writing as we get older since it becomes more factual and argumentative. Not only writing poetry but also expressing it will help show the lengths a simple word can go to.
Hi there Serli! Emphasis and understanding of emotions is something I also realized was something quite important to poetry as much of poetry is the expression of the author on a deep and emotional level. When writing my own poem I also used the "If the poem sounds better free verse than a sonnet then that's what it will be" mindset, which is why I choose the Ghazal format because it allowed more freedom while also having a simple rhythm pattern. Your realization that poetry focuses more on feeling than facts is spot on as that is what even great philosophers like Plato defined poetry as. Most poems are a wellspring of emotion from the author that are meant to be expressed and shared with people. As you said “poetry is like saying it without saying it” and thus the author expresses something in an archaic or esoteric way so that the readers can use their heads to figure out the deeper meaning, which makes the realization of what the poem is about more impactful. I'm glad that you shared your poem with us, it was quite a great and emotional one that I enjoyed. Great post Serli, I wish you a good night!
ReplyDeleteHi Serli. I think your point about poets not breaking down their own poem was interesting because it's true that the process of writing an explication is rather different from putting a poem together. I agree that writing about poetry is more demanding when it comes to getting into the poet's head since the poet doesn't have to do such a thing. The motivations behind both tasks don't have much in common seeing as how one consists of creating and the other consists of analysis. I think it's great that you took plenty away from the experience of writing poetry as well as reading it to an audience. It takes a lot to express sentiments in such a way and it can also be a show of bravery as well as a humbling experience. I also think it's worth nothing that your point about poetry being more about feeling than fact is a good outlook to have when it comes to writing poems because it can allow one to break rules as well as find their voice without feeling restricted. I also think it's important to maintain an emphasis on creativity as it can be easy to find writing grueling and monotonous, so I'm glad you found enjoyment in the process of creating and presenting.
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