Surreal

[CRNDLSM]

If you were to edit a surrealist poem, would you make it more logical or less?

[Wjames]

I would edit it to be more beautiful, to evoke more intense feeling. That's the north star, logic is a tool one can use or discard in that pursuit.

I like surreal, weird stuff generally, so there's a good chance I'd make it more surreal.

[TranquillityBase]

If you were to edit a surrealist poem, would you make it more logical or less?

I guess I would disagree with Leanne's intro to that exercise in that true automatic writing should not be edited at all.  I think that was sort of a rule among the surrealists.

Now maybe there is a difference between automatic writing and a surrealist poem.  (of course there is, what the hell am I saying!)

I would agree with Wjames, but also that you have to make it readable, you have make a few concessions to the reader, assuming you care if anyone else is willing to read it.  And that means making it a bit more logical.  When I did the exercise, it was impossible for me to prevent bits of logic from creeping in.  I'm going to try it again and try to prevent that and see what happens.

As to your original question, it would be an interesting exercise to make it LESS logical.  The point of surrealism is to free up the subconscious, so maybe the idea of a "reader" should be ignored entirely.

In your poem in the exercise, what did you do?

[CRNDLSM]

In your poem in the exercise, what did you do?

I tried to keep it quick, conversational, if I 'thought' about it I tried to write a word I wasn't thinking.  But then I couldn't help keep a 'format' in mind with repetition and rhyme.  I can read my own poem analytically of my own subconscious...

I thought your poem could be workshopped into a good non-surrealist poem, which sparked my question

[dukealien]

If you were to edit a surrealist poem, would you make it more logical or less?

No.

[Poetry In Motion]

If you were to edit a surrealist poem, would you make it more logical or less?

Honestly, I'd leave it as it is, it's art and should be kept that way.

[CRNDLSM]

In some ways aren't all my poems surrealist if I don't edit them?

[TranquillityBase]

If you can find a copy:

Michael Benedikt, The Poetry of Surrealism (1974)

Great introduction to Surrealist poetry with a brilliant introductory essay and generous selections from all the founders of the form.

[TranquillityBase]

SUpeR REALity

Here on the coast
the bedroom of her life was the sky,
the lover and and the f**ker.
Flies decline,
wings are the worst wounds
haunted by a conjugation of clouds
round the slopes of Mount Carmel.
From the southern ocean
the roads are occupied
by Moslem marauders
who remove the knock at the door.

Don’t f**k with my peculiar manner.
Would you rather I catch abstract nouns
or the terrific quarrels of heaven?
If I catch you, you will shut up.