07-31-2012, 12:03 PM
When we write a poem, we're expressing the world (or part thereof) as we see it -- there are a million poems out there that say nothing more to me than "the writer sees the world as he/she has been brought up to see it and never questions". For regurgitators of pop culture, that's fine -- spouting cliches and sticking to formula will guarantee you a reasonable audience that conforms nicely to the status quo.
However, for a poet, an artist, it is simply not good enough to unconsciously parrot his/her environment and cultural influences. Good poets must be aware of the significance of every word, its connotations and the possibility of multiple shadings/effects. Single reading/single meaning "poems" are for the simple and easily pleased.
However, for a poet, an artist, it is simply not good enough to unconsciously parrot his/her environment and cultural influences. Good poets must be aware of the significance of every word, its connotations and the possibility of multiple shadings/effects. Single reading/single meaning "poems" are for the simple and easily pleased.
It could be worse