deepundergroundpoetry.com
[ On Poetry ] When Poetry was an art
Instead of having cups of coffee
and conversations these days
perhaps due to being so busy
minding our own busy-ness
we tend to holler across grainy
monitored fields of Internet, Hey!
This is my life at the moment!
Technology has introduced us
to more people across the planet-
ary landscape than we can physic-
ally connect with one-on-one
And while such is a wonderful arena
for poets aiming to bounce their craft
off public walls in rubber ball fashion
when finetuning writing techniques
it's in the best interest of your readers
that you don't confuse them with
friends, associates, followers --- whatever
you prefer to call those other people
picking away at the low hanging fruits
of your app'led-orchard Facebook page
because as already established
Life is being lived by those
out in the real world
and not online 24/7
/365
Does anyone actually giving a damn
about you ( and your poetry )
have the time to be mired in a boggy
blog of ambiguous mumblings
informing people about what
may be going on in your life?
Or to suffer through long-winded
rants metaphorically directed
at particular individuals
( supposedly existant )
you're trying to shame
( because you somehow feel more
engaging with a war helmet on
when spouting off )
but won't name?
Seriously
couldn't you just post a selfie?
At least then
we could voluntarily zoom
in at our own discretion
to more thoroughly examine
and determine for ourselves
what THAT trivial pursuit might be
stuck in your craw
( spinach ..? popcorn ..? )
that you're trying to spit out
Please.
Consider being more considerate
---don't expect everyone
to drop what they are doing
walk all the way across the room
street, parking lot, block, or office
and besiege you with requests
for clarification because of
an inability to be forthright and honest
cravings for attention
or you simpl[e mindedl]y
had another brainfart
I guess what I'm trying to say is
There was a time when
Poetry was an art
Now? I'm not so sure
Published 7th Jul 2021
| Edited 27th Oct 2021
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 7
reading list entries 3
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
7th Jul 2021 3:20pm
I don't deny that it is subjective; one man's trash is another's treasure n all . . .
but since the inception of the Internets, poetry is too often being used as a means to other ends. And in the process, the writing is diluted into something that is "less poetic" and "more whatever else" which is usually something akin to smelly bait on a hook. Which is why it is no surprising that poetry boards are infested with catfishers.
There seems to be a clear division here between modern poetry writers and lengthy prose writers.
Fictional prose takes more time to craft, sometimes months, sometimes years. And when the work is finished, published, and paid for - then comes the time to get feedback and interact with the public.
When it comes to poetry, the need to "be interacted with" outweighs any desire to write something that actually has a shelf life of beyond 24 hours or is worth more than one reading.
but since the inception of the Internets, poetry is too often being used as a means to other ends. And in the process, the writing is diluted into something that is "less poetic" and "more whatever else" which is usually something akin to smelly bait on a hook. Which is why it is no surprising that poetry boards are infested with catfishers.
There seems to be a clear division here between modern poetry writers and lengthy prose writers.
Fictional prose takes more time to craft, sometimes months, sometimes years. And when the work is finished, published, and paid for - then comes the time to get feedback and interact with the public.
When it comes to poetry, the need to "be interacted with" outweighs any desire to write something that actually has a shelf life of beyond 24 hours or is worth more than one reading.
7th Jul 2021 8:08pm
things i'm wondering about since first reading this:
1. the whole need for interaction thing. i wonder if this is for people who just view this as a hobby. i would say the majority of my work is not online. BECAUSE many publishers consider it published once it is put out in the interwebs in any capacity. i don't need the online interaction to write. i save the good stuff (ha!) for possible publication.
2. but even if it is just someone looking to write and post because it's fun and their hobby, that should be absolutely fine. what's the harm in that? even if it is 'less poetic' to you. people are playing in words. let them play.
3. what means/ends should poetry be used for? should poetry only be for poetry sake? who makes that rule? robin williams, in dead poet's society, says that language was invented to woo women. so surely, we can write poetry for some reason other than "poetry."
cue the flashing neon sign that says:
I am not attacking! Please don't take it as such. I think this is an interesting conversation.
1. the whole need for interaction thing. i wonder if this is for people who just view this as a hobby. i would say the majority of my work is not online. BECAUSE many publishers consider it published once it is put out in the interwebs in any capacity. i don't need the online interaction to write. i save the good stuff (ha!) for possible publication.
2. but even if it is just someone looking to write and post because it's fun and their hobby, that should be absolutely fine. what's the harm in that? even if it is 'less poetic' to you. people are playing in words. let them play.
3. what means/ends should poetry be used for? should poetry only be for poetry sake? who makes that rule? robin williams, in dead poet's society, says that language was invented to woo women. so surely, we can write poetry for some reason other than "poetry."
cue the flashing neon sign that says:
I am not attacking! Please don't take it as such. I think this is an interesting conversation.
7th Jul 2021 10:39pm
@ Daisy
I like this conversation as well!
I don't really have anything against the socialization aspect of people using poetry to woo each other, have a funsize rap battle, let their friends know they are having a bad day, etc.
It's more the people that use it deceptively to draw attention to themselves as the victim of bullying or the champion of a cause and it just flat out shows in the quality of their writing - even to the point that it just doesn't plateau but declines.
We all have different goals. I think giving readers their money's worth of entertainment or education to be an admirable goal, if if it's given away for free.
I like this conversation as well!
I don't really have anything against the socialization aspect of people using poetry to woo each other, have a funsize rap battle, let their friends know they are having a bad day, etc.
It's more the people that use it deceptively to draw attention to themselves as the victim of bullying or the champion of a cause and it just flat out shows in the quality of their writing - even to the point that it just doesn't plateau but declines.
We all have different goals. I think giving readers their money's worth of entertainment or education to be an admirable goal, if if it's given away for free.
7th Jul 2021 6:07pm
I totally get where you're coming from. When honest critique and a desire to improve leave the building, it becomes a social network, except with poetry as socialization rather than for the sake of poetry. I'm just too busy in my own lane to notice anyone else's right now!
Your frustration is palpable, as is your desire for true poetry.
Your frustration is palpable, as is your desire for true poetry.
I have found that if I want honest critique I have to go elsewhere. There are a few here that I can always count on for good critique when asked (you and johnny bother included). But for the most part, it is a social networking site made up of people who like to play in words. and I'm okay with that.
I get my critique from local writer's groups and trusted friends i've met here and other places.
also flashing the neon sign that says:
I'm not attacking. I just like this conversation and like to say lots of things!
I get my critique from local writer's groups and trusted friends i've met here and other places.
also flashing the neon sign that says:
I'm not attacking. I just like this conversation and like to say lots of things!
7th Jul 2021 10:09pm
@ Ahavati
Can we carpool? I'll chauffer you around. The Taurus at least has air conditioning. No heat, but I have until October to get r fixed.
Yeah, palpable. Or pulp-able; I should be writing my frustrations down on paper. Thank you as always <3
Can we carpool? I'll chauffer you around. The Taurus at least has air conditioning. No heat, but I have until October to get r fixed.
Yeah, palpable. Or pulp-able; I should be writing my frustrations down on paper. Thank you as always <3
11th Jul 2021 00:12am
Your blog would prolly find resonance in many spaces where people are consciously hungry for long form discussion and depth
14th Jul 2021 10:07pm
After 20 years of trying to discuss things on the Internets, I'm nearing a point in which I'd rather pull the grenade pins and run away to write another day.
23rd Jul 2021 11:51pm
Damn, even underground the Academic Ivory Tower Phenomenon is inescapable simply by writ of the idea marketplace having laissez-faire economic base. Throw some bombs and fire some shots; just don’t stop the work, Johnny.
Anonymous
24th Jul 2021 3:55pm
Why don't you try writing some poetry instead of giving a speech like you always do? ( just being forthright and honest )
24th Jul 2021 6:21pm
Are you factoring in the 648 poems I've posted under my other 4 accounts?
Why don't you try critiquing the above poem instead of using this opportunity to criticize me as being an opinionated writer with nothing poetic to offer under this 1 account?
Why don't you try critiquing the above poem instead of using this opportunity to criticize me as being an opinionated writer with nothing poetic to offer under this 1 account?
Anonymous
- Edited 24th Jul 2021 7:35pm
24th Jul 2021 7:34pm
You're not too bright are you? I'll say it again then, you don't write poetry you just run your mouth.
This is the Oxford Dictionary's definition of Poem:
po·em
/ˈpōəm,pōm/
Learn to pronounce
noun
a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical, usually metaphorical, and often exhibits such formal elements as meter, rhyme, and stanzaic structure.
Like I said, what you write does not qualify. Do you get it? Or are you going to give me some more of your pseudo-intellectual bullshit?
This is the Oxford Dictionary's definition of Poem:
po·em
/ˈpōəm,pōm/
Learn to pronounce
noun
a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical, usually metaphorical, and often exhibits such formal elements as meter, rhyme, and stanzaic structure.
Like I said, what you write does not qualify. Do you get it? Or are you going to give me some more of your pseudo-intellectual bullshit?
31st Jul 2021 11:00pm
Ah, JB, I always love your honesty and observation. Perhaps it's the click of the button of likes, subscribers, followers, etc. that feed the human ego. I've been jonesing for a write like this but you really pinpoint the conundrum with technology. We are able to put so much more content nowadays, quantity vs. quality, as if we're running out of time when at moments I've felt like I'm out of breath.
You've given me much to ponder about on this. I can't rush those brush strokes.
Well done sir.
You've given me much to ponder about on this. I can't rush those brush strokes.
Well done sir.
2nd Aug 2021 11:22am
Wally, from where I stand, the world needs to slow down more and let you write at a more liesurely pace. It could do with more poets who care more about their craft than how to maximize their social media presence.
