Writing Poetry is Not
for Sissies
To write clearly
with
simple words
is
a chore.
My pencil wants
to
write words
that
dance
with alliteration
and
adjectives
(those
dreadful things.)
I have to beat my poems
to
teach them
to
behave, flail them
free of adverbs
and of
clichés;
clean
their teeth
of flowery phrases
they
sneak when
I’m
not watching.
My husband asks,
“What
are you
doing?”
And I have to confess.
“I’m
beating a poem
to
death.”
He laughs, but it’s true
and I’m
not done
yet.
8 comments:
I really like this. Don't know why. Just do.
Gary
Thanks for this. There don't have to be "whys." Liking it is good.
...and I'm not done yet! Very apt description of wrangling a poem, breaking it of inconsequential detritus, and making it behave and be presentable! Just loved this, and the spacing worked so well. Thx for stopping by and commenting on my blog, too. Peace, Carol. Amy
Hi Amy. Thanks for your comments on the poem and on the process of writing poems. Writing poetry is harder than it appears.
I don't know how you do it..... Michelle
Ah, but it's for the poem's own good!
;-)
Thanks Michelle. I love poetry but am still struggling with learning how to do it. I hope to be good at it and craft poems worth reading. I am learning...
Yes indeed, Fireblossom, a good thrashing never hurts a poem. Sometimes when I'm finished tearing them apart, there isn't much left so I begin again. I'm learning.
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