Thread: Writing Poetry

Each time you write a poem you leave a little of your heart in the words.
The lines are linked by your loves and fears as you give the verses birth.
Sometimes with love, sometimes with tears, and maybe even mirth.
But always it's torn from your heart and soul, into a waiting world

is this a poem? if so you might want so think about breaking the lines to make it an easier read, if its just a statement not sure if this is the place to post it

Why is it not a poem?? I did n't know there was a format I had to stick to?

I don't think the lines are too long and they scan ok?

This is the second time in one day I got told off so I don't think I will bother again

Chiefspider, I don't think poetry can be defined as such, so it's okay.

I like this Dean, it was meaningful. Nice work.

Hello Dean,

Please don't stop writing poems. I was personally touched by the simplicity and wholesomeness of the piece. It mostly echoed why poets rather choose to express their emotions in fewer meaningfully-packed lines.

Originally Posted by Dean

Why is it not a poem?? I did n't know there was a format I had to stick to?

I don't think the lines are too long and they scan ok?

This is the second time in one day I got told off so I don't think I will bother again

Hay, sorry I wasn't trying to tell you off, I never said it was not a poem - just that I was confused at first, I see the poetry in it, but its length made me think it might be a statement witch is why I recommended shorter lines. If you dont like the idea then just ignore it was just a simple critique - sorry for the misunderstanding and definitely don't give up poetry even if people put it down, you write for you again sorry and keep up the good work

Hey Dean,

Everybody is right. Please don't let negative critiques affect you to the point of giving up. The only person whose opinion matters when it comes to your poetry is you.

As for this poem, I think Chiefspider has a point. This feels more like a prose poem - which isn't bad at all! - it's just a different style. I encourage you to look through the poetry in the prose sub forum to see what I mean.

My, it's interesting how people (in general) process things.

Anyway, I was a bit thrown too -- it seems a bit like the start of an essay. But no matter. The sentiment expressed is fine, and it's well worded. It's a poem if you say so -- as far as I'm concerned. But I might try slicing and dicing it a bit, experimenting with different line lengths to see what happens.

Cheers

I agree with JosephB. Reads much like an epigram for a critique of poetry. Everyone, whether they recognize them or not, has formal definitions of what they consider poetic. Why not write a complementary essay which posits your idea that poetry is, for lack of a better phrase, exposed anima. With 21 grams of soul, how much does a poem weigh?

Your idea has been said often enough, and I don't think the novelty of your own perspective comes out through verse as well as it would through prose.

Dean sweetie, Chief (who is a peach) was certainly not telling you off, he merely offered his opinion, so please, hon, don't be discouraged nor ever put your pen down. I've taken the liberty of breaking this up a bit and offered two suggestions. Squalid Glass is correct that as is, it reads as prose poetry. Here is my humble suggestion:

Each time you write a poem
you leave a little
of your heart in the words.
The lines are linked
by your loves
and fears
as you give the verses birth. (I'd remove the)

Sometimes with love,
sometimes with tears,
and maybe even mirth. (perhaps even mirth would sound better)
But always it's torn
from your heart and soul,
into a waiting world.


Now chin up, young man, and I fully expect to see more of your work posted soon.

All the best,
Lisa

Originally Posted by Chester'sDaughter

Now chin up, young man, and I fully expect to see more of your work posted soon.

All the best,
Lisa

Hear hear, Lisa! Your poetry is really good, Dean, and your lyrics are some of the best I've seen on here (personal opinion, btw, based on the way I like to write music! I'm not putting anyone else's work down!). Don't be discouraged. There is no "right or wrong" where literature is concerned, and lots of the world's greatest poets have been initially criticised for "breaking the rules". Let's face it, we couldn't have got from Shakespeare to Betjamin otherwise. We'd still be writing in Iambic Pentameter!

Please carry on writing, and don't be put off by a little criticism. Everyone who publishes creative work to an audience has to expect that not everyone will agree with his/her treatment of their chosen genre. That doesn't mean that either of you is right or wrong, only that you disagree on the technicalities.

Thank you, I like the way you put it too

Originally Posted by Chester's Daughter

Dean sweetie, Chief (who is a peach) was certainly not telling you off, he merely offered his opinion, so please, hon, don't be discouraged nor ever put your pen down. I've taken the liberty of breaking this up a bit and offered two suggestions. Squalid Glass is correct that as is, it reads as prose poetry. Here is my humble suggestion:

Each time you write a poem
you leave a little
of your heart in the words.
The lines are linked
by your loves
and fears
as you give the verses birth. (I'd remove the)

Sometimes with love,
sometimes with tears,
and maybe even mirth. (perhaps even mirth would sound better)
But always it's torn
from your heart and soul,
into a waiting world.


Now chin up, young man, and I fully expect to see more of your work posted soon.

All the best,
Lisa

Maybe it is a US - UK thing?? But then John Betchman got really criticised when he started writing, but he didn't do too bad and I love his stuff.

Sweetie, we all get criticized when we start out, and only very, very rarely is it meant maliciously, and in those instances, it is born of an idiot who shouldn't be paid mind to. Critique is our best friend, it is how we improve our craft. Never, ever take it personally. You are not obligated to agree with your readers, your work is your own, but a wise poet will always consider input and then weigh whether or not it's worthwhile. Baron once told me, many moons ago, "Only take what you think will enhance your piece and fits into the vision you have for it." But whether or not you agree, always say thank you and be polite, readers are easily alienated. Hope this helps. And if there's some battle between the US and the UK it's one I don't know of. lol.

Best,
Lisa

I didn't mean a battle I meant like a difference in the way we look at things