I think some of the very best poems have been written about writing poetry;
for example, "In my Craft or Sullen Art" by Dylan Thomas. Whether that poem
is of interest to the general public or not, I do not know. Actually, much
of the general public does write poetry or has at one time or another.
Although they write it, they do not do so with serious intent: studying
poetry, reading poetry, or buying it. In my own life, I have caught myself
writing poems about writing poetry when not much has been going on in my
life. So for me, that kind of poem is a danger sign that I need to stir
around and find some inspiration. Still, I have won prizes with them and at
least one of them was published. One thing I feel has turned the public away
from poetry is the fact that too much poetry is far too obscure and lacks
sentiment and/or the use of language in the sense of musicality. Billy
Collins, our current poet laureate, is noted for writing accessible poems,
although they lack that spark of language I mention. The fact that his poems
are so accessible may account for his popularity in this country. It is
indeed a good subject for discussion. Thanks, Sue
|