poll: poetry

For the longest time, the impression I had of poetry came from one tortuous day in high school when our English class spent an entire day (maybe it was more than one day) studying The Red Wheelbarrow, an 8-line poem by William Carlos Williams. We were forced to laboriously dissect, analyze, masticate and regurgitate each line in so many different contexts that by the end of the project I hated red wheelbarrows and modern poetry with equal amounts of passion.

The only reason I never gave up on poetry completely was I Am A Sensation, a school textbook poetry collection that I actually liked. One poem I especially enjoyed was about a little boy whose teachers didn't like his imaginative use of colour in his drawings (I can't recall the name of the poem...do any of you remember this?).

It's only been within the past few years that I've started reading poetry again. This is due in large part to my friend Rand (who has edited several poetry collections and is a poet himself). Our initial e-mail conversation on the topic went something like this:

ME: I hate poetry.

RAND: You might like some poetry out there.

ME: No way. Poetry's dumb and pretentious.

RAND: Well, what about this poem? (includes text of short poem)

ME: Hm. I actually like that.

RAND: How about this one?

ME (suspiciously): I like that one, too. Are you sure this is poetry?

etc.

I still don't like a lot of poetry, especially the type that is obviously meant never to be understood. I'm sure Real Poets would consider me unsophisticated in my tastes. But from time to time I come across a poem which captures an image or emotion or experience perfectly, at least for me. Some poems make me cry. I sent one related to parenthood to Ruth, and it made her weepy, too. It was called For My Daughter In Reply To A Question, and you can find it on this page about the poet David Ignatow (halfway down the page). If you like it, be sure to check out some of Ignatow's other poems from the links at the bottom of the page.

Even though I know I'll never be a poet, poetry is helping me become a better writer. I've become much more conscious of the sound of words, as well as the value of taking the time to pare down to the essentials rather than ramble on for a hundred extra words that say exactly the same thing just because I can.

But I still don't like red wheelbarrows.

Poll: Do you ever read poetry?

Do you enjoy poetry? Do you have any favourite poets? Do you own any poetry books? Do you prefer modern or traditional poetry? Do you write poetry? (and if so, do you show it to anyone?) Do you own a Fridge Magnet poetry set? If so, what is on your fridge RIGHT NOW? To you songwriters out there: are you conscious of the poetry in your lyrics?

Links/News:

Here's a Toronto Star story about Sunday's Run For The Cure. Apparently 26,000 runners participated in the Toronto event, and raised $2.5 million dollars for breast cancer research.

One year ago, our cottage was invaded by ladybugs.

Three years ago, Luisa and I went looking for Patrick Stewart.

Five years ago, I conspired against Allison and Jodi. With help from several of you out there, I might add. :-)