The How to Be a Poet Exercise
In poem form write “rules” for yourself. Remind yourself how to be a poet. Leave in the quirky humor.
but
don't try to be too clever. Cleverness is not wisdom.
Always
read your poems aloud in order to hear
what your words are really saying,
but
don't overstate the obvious -
don't drape blue jeans poems in rhinestones.
Never
force a rhyme at the expense of rhythm,
but
sit your words on horseback
and teach them to post before they
gallop.
Oh, this is nice...very nice. I must start trying to discipline my thoughts once again.
ReplyDeleteMy poetry is sporadic and knows not too many rules.I had fun in my Poetry class in college and can still see the wrinkled brow of my instructor.
ReplyDeletemost def...i love your rules...most esp...to keep having fun with it...cause otherwise its work...smiles...have a wonderfull day!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great help. I am thinking of plunging back into poetry. But for some reason I am reluctant to publish it when I write it.
ReplyDeleteThis is super-duper!
ReplyDeleteClever plus ++++++++
This is good. The line between cleverness and wisdom is sometimes thin. I like Billy Collins, but I see why some serious poets dismiss him as merely clever.
ReplyDeleteVery good advice in poem form. And this is the second "How to" on poetry writing I've read in a week that mentioned a horse. The other was at the Poetry Foundation's Harriet blog in a list like this:
ReplyDelete1. Eat the raw heart of a horse. This will distinguish you from a cast of thousands.
:-)
Tabor - that's one of the things I like about poetry, especially the forms.
ReplyDeleteOOTP - your pictures are poetry!
Brian - that's my rule for most things ;)
Anne - I write for my own pleasure. I publish for the fun of it.
J - thank you (scuffing toe in dirt)
Kerry - I think it takes true skill to be as 'clever' as Billy Collins!
Ruth - I prefer to ride horses... the thought of eating the heart out of one makes me shudder. I'll remain a mediocre poet, thanks.
Pauline, you are truly a poet! Love this one!
ReplyDeleteFun piece
ReplyDeleteand fine advice
I can't write a poem
to save my life.
;)
barbara - thanks. I'm still working at it.
ReplyDeleteHilary - I bet you could, I see you did!