Why Poetry Lasts For Liyou Libsekal Poem by Daniel Brick

Why Poetry Lasts For Liyou Libsekal



All that poetry needs
is a sheet of paper
on which the words are written
that readers will animate one by one.

Or go further back and say,
all that poetry needs
is a human voice speaking words
into the ambient air which scatters them.

Or go still further back...
to the origin of things, and say,
all that poetry needs
is the raw graving of the heart,

the yearning of the body
for touch, of the soul
for union, of the mind for hope, this
is all that poetry needs.

Monday, May 25, 2015
Topic(s) of this poem: poetic expression
POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
I read a chapbook of two dozen poems by a young woman now living again in her home city, Addis Ababa. Her poems are characterized by lush imagery, rich figures of speech and fused vocabulary. I was so impressed by her achievement, which transcends my abilities, I had to respond as best I can in one of my poems. Her name is Liyou Libsekal, and she will never know this
- but I dedicate my poem to her, as a sign of our common commitment to poetry.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Sranisha Francis 18 September 2015

All that poetry needs is a sheet of paper on which the words are written that readers will animate one by one. Yes these words are really true.

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Nika Mcguin 04 June 2015

Beautifully done! I've always felt like poets weave a little of their souls into each poem they write. This poem is not only in accordance with that thought, but explains that the insertion of the human soul is not only the key - but the birth and entire being of the poem. I also enjoyed the experience of reading this poem. I like that the speaker with each stanza takes a step back as if unraveling a poem to find its core. Impressive work :)

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Akachukwu Lekwauwa 27 May 2015

That is the open secret of poetry. Nicely constructed. Thanks for sharing. Please review my poem 'Isthmus Of Pain And Joy' I will appreciate

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Sandra Feldman 25 May 2015

It's all there, the magic formula, so beautifully set and said. We see you found the poet. Excellent poem, truly inspired by the sweet perfume of creativity.

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