The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

I read this one aloud at a poetry meet-up and a woman in attendance got tears in her eyes. I looked for Amie's comments on narrative poetry that was posted somewhere on this site but couldn't find it. I'm not certain if that's really how I would describe my writing but I do know Amie said it is sometimes difficult to separate narrative from prose. I'm kind of stuck with it---its what I get most enthused about. So I can empathize with folks who only want to write in rhyming couplets despite always calling criticism down on their heads

Yes to onset of depression but a bit of hope in the recognition---thanks Tracy, insightful as always 

Youse guys talk of prose poetry like it's a dark family curse or something. As a writer, we should play to our strengths. Damn the torpedos. Or something like that.

It's a good poem. That you recognize an older one and are willing to stick it out / stay the course and take a second or third look at it is commendable.

INdar
I think this is really good and can so relate to the content. The quality of the writing outweighs consideration of which genre it might inhabit.
Dave

Youse guys talk of prose poetry like it's a dark family curse or something

You are a funny guy Tim---thanks for putting it all in perspective

I think this is really good and can so relate to the content. The quality of the writing outweighs consideration of which genre it might inhabit.

Thanks for revisiting and the positive feedback Dave

I've read this several times and find more to like in each reading. I also read the comments. I know to comment on comments is frowned on, but I find nothing prosy about this poem and I'm one of those guilty of being quite content with rhyming couplets and archaic forms.

All one has to do is read this aloud to appreciate the sonics and movement and how well they compliment the content. I wish I could write like this and am grateful that I at least have the ability to appreciate it.

The topic brings to mind Justice Stewart's, "I know it when I see it" quote about pornography. A weird parallel, but I think the same can be said of poetry. 

Been coming back to this poem time and again. Read the comments too, which maybe I shouldn't have done, as somehow that makes it even harder to write my own review. (And make no mistake, I think reviewing poetry is one of the hardest things to do.) But I know what I like, and I like this. There's so much I can relate to. Not things like matching toothbrushes, etc, but the emotion. This feeling of "Yeah, I've been here for x years now, and I've seen all there is to see here. I want out. I want to find new pastures."

 

(And make no mistake, I think reviewing poetry is one of the hardest things to do.)

Thanks for the read and good feedback Dan,

I think I've learned more about poetry reviewing the poetry of others than maybe anything I've read or written myself. 

indar wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 16, 2018 4:22 pm

I think I've learned more about poetry reviewing the poetry of others than maybe anything I've read or written myself.

Same here. And I have a lot to learn yet.

Oh Marc,

I see I missed your comments---and good one's they were--I agree with "knowing it when we see it". Thank you so much for the read and thoughtful comments