Defining Poetry through Prose - Writers Forum

zephyr · 09-22-2003, 01:55 PM

Poetry is a flexible form of writing, which allows poets- and aspiring writers of the trade to take advantage of expressions through the wide selection of words- and terms available to them respectively. It is local, and universal; the choice is the poet’s.

Writing poetry provides one with the opportunity to explore, and to be unique authors in a very poetic way. While there are numerous shapes and forms of the art, the definition continues to widen as poets compose with unending imagination and personality.

What appears to be consistent however is rhythm and flow. Those are the things which poets crave for, and when articulated- produces a piece of literature worthy of sight and sound.

Unlike prose, poetry is dynamic and open to more creativity because of the explorative factor. The barriers of formality are lifted in the lyrical arena, allowing room for one to be freer in their language.

Defining what constitutes a poem could be an idle proposition, as no one has a monopoly on verse. It is important for any writer to know his or her audience, or potential readers nonetheless- because poetry is ultimately about society and reaching out to people for-and or- about something. It is the motivation of the rhythmical creator.

It is useless lettering a thing that people doesn’t understand, or cannot identify with. So, poets are always challenged to be understanding and relevant in their pursuits to convey their stories, and feelings accordingly.

Poetry could be fictional, non-fictional, or a blend of both. It should be solely up to the poet to decide which routes in the combination they would take to express their poems.

Poetry is like living; everyday is different and circumstances usually dictate. What remains constant thus, is change indeed- so poets must be adaptable and active to the tasks.

Writing poems is a glorious calling for many, and a splendid pastime for so much more. It is the path to salvation and self-identification- with infinite possibilities. Poetry is lasting and precious; we hold it in high esteem throughout our global landscape. It is here to stay like in the old days, and represents immense multitudes of perspectives with undying convictions still.

©2003 Dennis A. Dames
Nassau, Bahamas

http://www.geocities.com/dpoetry2002/Dennis_Dames.html

Vixen · 08-18-2004, 01:53 AM

MMMmmm....well, I think your accurate enough...this almost reads like a definition...

Talia_Brie · 08-18-2004, 10:31 PM

Defining poetry is a pointless endevour, and in your definition I would note several restrictions which are inaccurate, most pointedly the need for rhythm and flow, which are not universal to all poetry.

You have also noted that poetry is dynamic and that prose is not, and I would disagree with this also. Prose can be everything poetry is, though on most occassions it isn't.

A lot of people canonise poetry, and I think this is unfounded, but we won't get into that argument today.

When I was studying poetry in university, admitedly I only did it for two semesters, the best definition of poetry we could come up with was this:

Poetry is that which is created by the poet.

Farror · 08-18-2004, 10:39 PM

Poetry is a poes thoughts, presented in a way that is different from everyday language.