>Or is it that an honest man is simply one who does not lie? Fran<
It is very difficult to be scrupulously honest. Years ago, when I joined a
twelve-step group, I thought I knew the meaning of 'honesty': to me at that
time it simply meant not stealing. The idea of 'self-honesty first' had
never occurred to me. Nowadays I try to reel my dishonesty in, or push the
borders of my honesty out. Strict honesty is a very different mode of
living in our society, yet I have found the truth is a strong and powerful
position to come from. Sure it meant some activities were difficult, but
now if I can't be honest in some circumstance, I don't go there.
What's this got to do with poetry? A lot, for me. Two books ago, and nearly
a decade ago, I wrote in search of myself, heavily influenced by Lowell,
Berryman, and the so-called confessional poets (how I hate that term). Now
I am endeavouring to broaden my subject nature without losing the strength
of those poems written from an emotional pit. That's why I like being
involved in renga, the Japanese linked poetry, because it is a wildly
collabarative work which takes the poet out of him/herself. I'm trying to
break another habit, and it is difficult.
Me me me, there I go again. How about you you you?
Andrew
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Andrew Burke Copywriting
[log in to unmask] Creative Writing
http://www.bam.com.au/andrew/ Editing
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