Every poem is an invitation
for the readers to use their imagination
a vehicle licensed
to carry passengers
who sometimes have a greater imagination
than the poet
even perhaps get more from the poem
than the poet knowingly put in
which you must admit
if with a slight embarrassment
as you read the words of praise
is a divine joke
and from the divine viewpoint
very practical since
every reader is an invitation
for the poets to match their imagination
I will add this to the poem by Billy Collins titled 'Introduction to Poetry' as the best advice I can think of when writing or reading poetry. I've just started reading your work. This piece is a great way to meet you. I am looking forward to getting to the rest as time allows. Cheers from leap accross The Pond and a long stage ride from the East Coast. Tom
This is so true. You can write a poem, listen to a reader's interpretation, and then understand your own poem better. Well-written, insightful.
Loved the way this poem turned from the original opening lines invitation, Every poem is an invitation for the readers to use their imagination a vehicle licensed to carry passengers to the acknowledgment that some readers who sometimes have a greater imagination/ than the poet will read the poem with depth and insight through to the turn of even perhaps get more from the poem/ than the poet knowingly put in. This humour and wit builds into which you must admit if with a slight embarrassment as you read the words of praise is a divine joke because perception and beauty is unique to individualized tastes. All poems liked and deeply personalized will have different meanings to different readers. The most imaginative poems will offer new meanings, perspectives with new readings, and every poetic reader can match the original poet in imagination if they take the time to fully engage with a poem and the full spectrum of that poems poetic images. An easy reading entertaining write.
I wrote the poems 'Themes Topics Art Personality Choices' and 'Weave Tread Thirst Invitation Possibilities? ', inspired by the poem '! 'Great Write...' - great reader', by the poet Michael Shepherd, and dedicated to Michael Shepherd.
Ah! tis a grand write. enjoyed it, Read mine - An Emily Dickenson Theory - Adeline
6/10 my God they're tough judges around here Michael must be all poets. You are exactly right it is important that our poetry ignites the imagination of the reader or they won't want to read poetry. Poets should not be there to honor themselves that's just ego.10 from me anyway.
u got a n aggregate of 6/10 on this one figures... you thumb noses at PH...pay for it BTW i fully endorse and aggree...its a very nice write.....in the tradition ;) cheers
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Succinct words...which I echo :) Great delivery, without overt sarcasm.