Ph: Poetry Writing: Is This Even A Poem? Poem by Brian Johnston

Ph: Poetry Writing: Is This Even A Poem?

Rating: 5.0


So what makes a poem a poem?
There is blank verse but it does not rhyme,
Has it something to do with rhythm,
Is polish really different from grime?

Does it stink if it's not romantic?
Is it claptrap if it isn't true,
What if it sounds like words of a song,
And yet Bach has no clue what to do?

Must it deal with some lofty issue,
Worthless if you won't sing in its choir,
Oblique if you don't grab for tissue,
Is it all wet if there is no fire?

Say, what if it's not even angry
Or more badder, it's boring as Hell,
Oh, what if the poet's your girlfriend,
Are there obvious lies you can't tell?

I tell you it's looking quite hopeless,
Is it possible I could feel worse?
Oh where can I find me a savior
To protect me from poetry's curse!

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
Brian Johnston
June 19,2014

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COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Lorraine Colon 21 June 2014

This is the most goodest poem I've read in a long time Ha! (I sure hope there are no English teachers reading this!)

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Denis Martindale 20 June 2014

This is an interesting theme to consider. Since we don't know all the truths we can't know if there are any merits to be known. The telling of lies for dramatic effect is merely storytelling. The holding back of important truths is just the poetic licence, the right to pick and choose. So the poet or the poetess may explore personal thoughts, decide what seems helpful, present a point of view, but what then? As you say, is it poetry if it doesn't rhyme or the rhythm isn't just so? Yesterday's poetry may not be wonderful, but today's poetry may go beyond all that's gone before. So each day we pick and choose, evaluate, sometimes hold on to and sometimes discard even before the final line. This time, I found something useful to ponder. Thank you.

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