I know my opinion might not reflect the majority, but I would rather read a personal “story” in a poem or collection rather than have the writer try to make it universal for me. I want the writer to give it to me as it was for them: intense, messy, and unique. Let me discover my experience in their story. I want to feel like I’m being allowed to read private writing. 😹
Well put, and for the most part I agree. I do however enjoy light rhyme, meter and musicality. I also enjoy double meaning and vivid imagery more than narration. I want to be surprised and impressed with your wordship.
like Elise Powers and Ocean Voung but also moved by your experience like Ada Limon.
agreed. When the speaker or the poet find something genuinely captivating it comes through. I don’t like flowery language either but I love defamiarization, fresh language, and unique perspectives.
I also don’t mind something bordering didactic, as long as it’s presented as an idea/view and not law.
Thank you for giving voice to these important questions and for sharing your honest wrestling with them nj❤️❤️
Well this is soul-warming. Thank you for responding, what a lovely comment.
I know my opinion might not reflect the majority, but I would rather read a personal “story” in a poem or collection rather than have the writer try to make it universal for me. I want the writer to give it to me as it was for them: intense, messy, and unique. Let me discover my experience in their story. I want to feel like I’m being allowed to read private writing. 😹
Well put, and for the most part I agree. I do however enjoy light rhyme, meter and musicality. I also enjoy double meaning and vivid imagery more than narration. I want to be surprised and impressed with your wordship.
like Elise Powers and Ocean Voung but also moved by your experience like Ada Limon.
I love those things, too. I just don’t want it made “artificially pretty” for me. Yes, give me all the poetic fun while you’re baring your soul! 🩵
agreed. When the speaker or the poet find something genuinely captivating it comes through. I don’t like flowery language either but I love defamiarization, fresh language, and unique perspectives.
I also don’t mind something bordering didactic, as long as it’s presented as an idea/view and not law.