----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Dolan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 7:58 AM
Subject: Re: Do you write for the ear, or the page, or ... ? [Was:
Whisper -- SNAP]
I write for the IDEA. In a narrative poem that means the story or incident
itself, which (in a narrative poem) is also the central symbol. In a lyric
poem, it's the guiding image or metaphor. If the IDEA is worthwhile, and if
I serve it well, the proper rhythm will emerge. As for the look of the
poem -- something's wrong if I have one short line tucked among too many
long ones. Otherwise "look" is a secondary consideration for me. Except
sometimes I want short tight stanzas or a certain type of brick.
>>
>> it raises a question for me, though: I write for the page, as well as for
>> the ear. That is, I notice how it *looks* on the page, and try to address
>> both sound/ rhythm and form with my line breaks. Your suggestion, of
>> course,
>> would require an entire reworking to accomplish this.
>>
>> I know that not everyone writes this way.
>>
>> I'm wondering what others consider as they write?
>>
>>
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