Freeform Workshop

Everyday Worries


Bent Back
And losing hair.
My toothbrush slowly dies.

I believe the best poets are those who have studied their craft well enough to master every type of poetry. The poets who have really made their mark on the world can write a sonnet just as quickly as freeverse. They decide which sort of poem best fits what they want to say. It is not enough to just feel deeply about something. Look at the many poets on this website who obviously feel deeply but have not mastered language enough to say what they feel. There are too many who decide not to be careful with language, spelling, grammar; yet all of these are tools a poet must master before the poem can be done. Imagine an artist who decides not to learn how to manage a paintbrush or mix colors! Poetry is an art form and if we are true poets, we will search out ways to master it. I agree that more people need to read as many poets as possible...and not just on this website. Raw emotion is not enough for a poem; neither is a careful, detailed description. Look for metaphors, similes, unusual, haunting words that make what you want to say sound different. And never once imagine that poems that have meter and rhyme are the lazy way out. Only the poor ones...but to find just the right word...and just the right rhyme...Oh, there's the rub!

Raynette

To (Aashish Ameya) A response,
A true poet writes not because he wants to, he has to. There is something deep seeded within that makes them quite different from everyone else. They are pushed and driven by this thing that becomes their existence and their being. They are passionate and are able to pick up a simple flower and see what not is in the hand but the flower itself. They are able to see every grain, , every petal, the existence of the flower, the fragrance and what it represents. They then are able to, written in their own words, share what it is they see, feel, or touch. It makes no difference wether it is a flower or not. So what is a Poet? A poet is one who allows others to see what it is they see, feel, touch, imagine, smell, or dream, and they do it in only words. When the one writes down his passions onto paper, whatever it may be, the one becomes a poet. For a poets work is the passions and existence of himself shared to others.
I am going to share with you a story, , , , A teacher told her class, 'Today class, We are going to be visited by a wonderful poet, but first I am going to read to you a wonderful story he has written.' She then began reading the story 'The Leprechaun Tree'. The children grew very quiet as they listened and clung to every word. They could vision the characters and for a spell were no longer in the classroom but far away on some enchanted land. Not a sound was made until the teacher looked up at the class and said, the end. The children said, 'Wow, that was a good story, that was really great! ' Then they asked, 'Do we get to meet the poet now? ' The teacher replied, 'Don't you see, you just did! '
In response to your second question. (What is the soul of a poet?) I believe you already know the answer to that. Just look within your own self.

can any body tell me why we are writting poetry? and whats the soul of a poem?

Just...something.

In the blue light of the jaded sun shines
I wander-
Lost in the haze of spiderwebs dreams
Of sepia-toned yesteryears that chime
In windsong

I find that strict adherence rhythm and rhyme schemes is often the reason for 'lazy' poetry. It gives poets an excuse for not finding that perfect word, for diluting their meaning with cliches and folk sayings.
Free form takes away the excuses.

Personally, I think that freeform is the best style for self-expression because there is no formula and it is open for anybody. That doesn't mean that no discipline is required. I like all forms but I think beginners can gain confidence by starting with freeform writing until they find their feet. Just a thought.

Order! Order!

What the hell is going on on this forum? ? It's supposed to be a discussion about free form poetry. I feel like I've just walked into a class room where the teacher hasn't shown up.

Ali, stop telling us to read the Photo poem. Enough is enough.

Jerry, every time I read one of your comments you crack me up. You have the best sense of humour.

The rest of you should read some more poetry.

Kind regards
Gypsy

hello everybody!
I want to suggest you read the poem: YOUR PHOTO by SHIRIN PARVARESH.
I found that very very senseful and beautiful.
Its rating is 9.
so I invite you all too read it and submit your comments and vote.
Im sure that you will enjoy it!
Ali

hi again
here is a poem for christians

god

he lends us a helping hand
he took his life for us
he got beaten and died on the cross for us
he always will help us believe
he will never let you bleed
he helps you through the good and bad
he is are only lord
God