Tag: learning

The architecture of poetry

by Mim - My Island Home, posted in Poetry

I commenced this week of the poetry course feeling a little overwhelmed. As I delve into the technicalities of verse and begin the climb in understanding the academic architecture of poetry, my knowledge is expanding, but my application of this material is still at the beginning. From understanding significance or simplicity of title, to style, form, voice’ and word order. It is whirling around in my head.

I developed a love for poetry at a young age and my own work has focused on free verse and rhyme to convey my passion for expressionism. As my comfort and home, this innocent portrayal (much like a musician who can play without reading music) has enabled me to find my own rhyme, and melody.

Now that I am conscious of these things, I (nervously) wonder now when I write, will this knowledge distract from my authenticity? These elements need to become synonymous with written work so I don’t become overwhelmed, and I must write without focusing too much on fitting into a structure and forgetting the uniqueness of voice and the message I need to convey.

I have another month to go of this course, and I believe at the end the head whirl will be lessened. At the moment, I am just starting the climb. Forgive my learning ramblings; it is going to be an interesting month!

I reflect with Art Poetica in my favourite poetry type, free verse:

Writing poetry
Your structure should be
flowing and
smart
without 
hesitation,

or loss of instigation
the charade of voice;

clear as mud

perhaps with moral obligation;

to grab your audience;
Titles of mystery and clarity
intentions all hoping
ingenuity
in waiting

and dreaming

of

monuments
odes to simplification.

Don’t forget
meter
imagery and imagined;
metaphors are just a longing

for a greater
justification

but most of all,
be authentic and true

for this little poem

is simply
an ode to you.