Douglas Barbour wrote:
>
> What intrigues me about Anastasios's comments, & Candice's & Robin's
> responses, is that 'voice' is both a huge category used by many & something
> very hard to pin down. But, I wonder, does it actuall return us to this
> question of form, how a poet discovers her relation to it, how he comes to
> understand what language & inheritances she will use, etc.
Doesnt it come down to the habitual ways in which one uses
language? That combination of conditioning and experience
that defines individuality. Isnt voice the poetic equivalent
of artistic style?
Years ago I worked with a man with whom I had great
communication difficulties. Then we worked it out that where
a word had multiple meanings, he tended to use one, and I
the other, and from there we worked it out. We came from
diferent academic backgrounds
Yes a signature style can be emulated, albeit poorly, but
the original is always immediately recognisable. I walk
around art galleries and play 'spot the influence', I'm sure
you do the same with poetry.
Not that I'm an expert of course, having written three so
far. But all seem to have the same voice and as I would
currently classify myself as a Niaive poet, if such an
equivalent exists, having no training and little poetic
education, the question of form is negligable. I dont know
enough yet to have formal considerations.
It would be helpful if someone could point me to a site that
classifies all these movements you keep mentioning, its all
greek to me.
This list is providing me with great stimulation and a steep
learning curve. Its also humbling to be the beginner, where
elsewhere it is I who am the subject expert.
thanks guys
Josephine
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