Thursday, November 18, 2010

My ABCs of Inspiration: P is for Poetry

Poetry is tricky.  I've never had a poet's heart.  I love to put together a good rhyme, but meter and accents and all of that elude me.  But that doesn't stop me from loving a good poem.  I may not always pick the most academically correct poem.  I may not pick sophisticated poetry.  But that doesn't matter.  Poetry is in the ear of the beholder.  Or something like that.

Don't be afraid of poetry.  Do your homework if you want to write it to be published someday.  But if you aren't worried about it being published, play around!  You'll be surprised how much fun it is to play with words and where that word play can lead you.  I suggest you hop over and read Kat Apel's guest post on Tara Lazar's blog for PiBoIdMo for a little reminder.  I know poetry can seem intimidating, but use it as a tool.  Don't worry about someone else seeing it today, just play!  See what happens!

6 comments:

  1. I love poetry, but I have to admit that my favorite poet is Shel Silverstein.

    Clarence Lee from Tennessee
    Loved the commercials he saw on TV.
    He watched with wide believing eyes
    And bought everything they advertised --
    Cream to make his skin feel better
    Spray to make his hair look wetter
    Bleach to make his white things whiter
    Stylish jeans that fit much tighter.
    Toothpaste for his cavities,
    Powder for his doggie's fleas,
    Purple mouthwash for his breath,
    Deodorant to stop his sweat.
    He bought each cereal they presented,
    Bought each game that they invented.
    Then one day he looked and saw
    'A brand-new Maw, a better Paw!
    New, improved in every way --
    Hurry, order yours today!'
    So, of course, our little Clarence
    Sent off for two brand-new parents.
    The new ones cam in the morning mail,
    The old ones he sold at a garage sale.
    And now they all are doing fine:
    His new folks treat him sweet and kind,
    His old ones work in an old coal mine.
    So if your Maw and Paw are mean,
    And make you eat your lima beans
    And make you wash and make you wait
    And never let you stay up late
    And scream and scold and preach and pout,
    That simply means they're wearing out.
    So send off for two brand-new parents
    And you'll be happy as little Clarence.

    Sheldon Allan Silverstein

    Who doesn't love that!

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  2. Thanks for the mention/link, Megan. :)

    Maybe you can join us for a Month of Poetry (#MoP) in January...? It's just for fun - but I'm sure we'll learn heaps by playing with poetry. I'm looking forward to it!

    http://monthofpoetry.wordpress.com/

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  3. I love poetry. I write poetry. Alas, I am also VERY intimidated by poetry. This is due in large part to a bad experience I had in college, revealed here: http://writeupmylife.com/2010/03/19/poetry-and-the-professor/

    I know it's time to get over it, get beyond it, etc. And I guess I am by focusing on picture books. I hope my kids get taught a kinder/gentler approach to poetry than I did.

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  4. Oh, I'm terrified of poetry. I can't ever seem to get it right. Of course, I don't practice, but you know. :)

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  5. I am like you Megan - I know what I like, whether it is sophisticated, classic or not. I like to play but don't really know the rules of the game!

    Am really looking forward to Kat's #MoP - even though it scares me.... :)

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  6. I like to write poetry. In fact I wrote a children's book in rhyme but have not heard back regarding my submission .. so I guess that's not a good thing, huh? Perhaps it is time to revisit that one. :)
    I think I will enjoy the #MOP

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