Discussion: Help me understand the value...

[Fryingpanofchaos]

I've never had the eye for poetry.

All the poems I've heard or read have never really interested me, it all seems to be wish-washy mystical whim or overdramatic self-obsessed drivel.

I would like to read a poem and feel something, but it never seems to click.

Do I just need to find something I can relate to?

 

[FastCar]

Try reading some of charles Bukowski's poetry, absolutely no overdramatism/mystiscm there. But it really evokes something visceral.

 

[englishpsycho]

Y'know I have that same thing. It's irritating because many of my friends get a lot from poetry, but I just can't seem to. It's not like I don't read, I love books, but poetry has just never done a thing for me. Maybe I'll try Bukowski too...

 

[Fryingpanofchaos]

Ah, Bukowski writes with a power I can appreciate.

http://home.swipnet.se/~w-15266/cultur/bukowski/poem03.htm

thank you, fastcar.

 

[PyroFromTheCenter]

Yeah there's a flavor for everyone. You def. don't have to like it all. Even the big poetry nerds I know don't like everything.

My personal bent it toward reading things that inspire pictures in my mind. When it's done craftfully I am usually fully pleased.

But let it be known, you don't have to stomach it all to say you enjoy the art...

Pyro

 

[(Wordy)]

Yeah there's a flavor for everyone. You def. don't have to like it all. Even the big poetry nerds I know don't like everything.

Exactly... very well said, Pyro.

If you like Bukowski, maybe try Raymond Carver as well, and Gregory Corso.

In terms of appreciation, I approach poetry similarly to music. I attempt to appreciate every poem I read, and I read across a wide variety of styles, periods, etc. But some stuff just does nothing for me whatsoever. I pretty much never enjoy everything an individual poet writes, but I can generally find something moving and/or inspiring if I look hard enough.

 

[9mmCensor]

In general I find poetry to be, meh.

I long for the detailed, expanded, structural sentance, multiplied into paragraphs, forming epic chapters.

I love poetic writing, but am not to keen to read a poem.

The odd poem however will strike a cord with me I and I love it. like Countee Cullen "For a Lady" or Ginsberg's Howl.