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Dead Poetry Society
When I was young
the Beats had just died,
modernism was no
longer running by our side.
Posthaste, post modernism,
a literary communism,
where all are of the same height
—a poetic blight—
then poetry howled and died.
–Erthona
©2014
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
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(07-31-2014, 09:20 AM)Erthona Wrote: Dead Poetry Society
When I was young
the Beats had just died,
modernism was no
longer running by our side.
Posthaste, post modernism,
a literary communism,
where all are of the same height
—a poetic blight—
then poetry howled and died.
–Erthona
©2014
I enjoyed the wolf image. The last line in particular really makes the poem for me. When you said "modernism was no longer running by our side," it stood out as slightly awkward phrasing, until the last line was read and the image formed for me, then I really liked the whole poem more as a result.
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I love the irony, or paradox, of a poem eulogizing poetry. "Howl" was pessimistic too, but no so defeated as to sit quiet. I think most beat writing had that defeated (but not defeatist) tone to it. - So the tone goes nicely with the subject. - I also feel like you wrote this with a little bit of tongue in your cheek - I like that too.
L4 feels functional - I think it could be more colorful without being too bright for the mood.
L6 I think this line succeeds very well in tying the poem together, while suggesting further meaning.
L9 Does "then" work with your chronology? I'm not sure -
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy the topic.
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Thanks maximumjake for your comments, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Paul, everything I write is tongue in cheek...mostly

Thanks for the read and comments.
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
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07-31-2014, 05:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-31-2014, 11:45 PM by billy.)
some, a lot of it i like because it's a synopses of how the poet sees where poetry has taken itself to, a little nit i'm not keen on as it detracts from the good parts. in truth it's just the first line. it looks like you used it to help date the poem or to place you at a particular time within poetry. what it actually does is make me think less of the poetry styles and and more of you. the title took that cliche phrase and with a slight twist worked well in describing the poem, it also works as the terminal after the hook on the last line. for me this is one the best poems i've read of yours dale.
thanks for read.
(07-31-2014, 09:20 AM)Erthona Wrote: Dead Poetry Society
When I was young i'm not sure this is that relevant as we know when the beats were about.
the Beats had just died, for me this is a brilliant opening line.it dates the poem and gives the indication of what the poem will be about. it's also a solid image on more than one level
modernism was no
longer running by our side.
Posthaste, post modernism,
a literary communism,
where all are of the same height
—a poetic blight—
then poetry howled and died. the last three lines specially the last work so well at taking us (admittedly without much image ) to the now of poetry in the authors mind. with a very small edit i think this is a publishable poem. short but almost excellent.
–Erthona
©2014
oh... i think it a bit ( just a little) for the short form area.
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Billy,
You should know by now this is short for me
As always I appreciate your comments. I'll take your statement about the first line under advisement. I'll take almost excellent
Thanks again,
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
Posts: 574
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(07-31-2014, 09:20 AM)Erthona Wrote: Dead Poetry Society
When I was young
the Beats had just died,
modernism was no
longer running by our side.
Posthaste, post modernism,
a literary communism,
where all are of the same height
—a poetic blight—
then poetry howled and died.
–Erthona
©2014
While I like the personal insight, I'm not sure about the sing songy rhyme scheme here. I think there is a potential message that is being smothered.