This past weekend I finished a six week project mentoring under another poet. It’s been a great way to stretch myself beyond that point of complacency that sometimes creeps into our routines. The were a number of things that I learned or relearned in come cases. Just off the top of my head, a few of them that readily come to mind:
-
I have a lot yet to learn.
-
Political poetry is best pulled off with subtle political tone and greater narrative.
-
I can look to other poetry for ideas and examples as to how others have used poetic devise.
-
Cut, cut and cut again if you can.
-
Look for fresh & unique ways to show with my writing.
-
It's all right to write about simple things.
-
Beginnings and endings should both be strong.
-
The middle of the poem still has a job to do... remain interesting enough to hold the beginning and the end together.
-
Manuscripts are pieces of art in themselves. Not just a collection of 30 to 50 poems... they need a connective thread to establish some relevance, one to another.
-
Write daily.
-
Write daily even if what you are writing sucks. It won't improve by not writing.
-
Read lots of poetry. Learn from other's mistakes and successes.
-
Improve my work ethic, but don't take myself so seriously that I don't enjoy what I'm doing. Even if it gets frustrating at times.
-
Even dead poets speak wisdom.
-
Look for the musicality in your verse. Work to improve this.
During this period of time I’ve had exposure to a lot of poems from six different poets. A wide spectrum of topics. Many ways of approaching the art. Fresh ideas.
I feel like I’ve had my battery recharged!
1 comment:
Thanks Michael, this is a great summary.
Post a Comment