Poetry Isn't Scary

Story telling is scary,
The thought causes anxiety and weary,
A plot, rising action, climax,
The potential for the Big Screen, Imax!
Exposition and character development,
Pages of content that are relevant!
Circular characters, interesting ideas,
That foster laughter, tears; pleases ya!

But poetry isn't scary,
The subjects, sue and her father, larry,
Didn't have capitals in their names,
To portray minimalism; author unashamed,
Punctuation disobeying the rules,
Stanzas formulated or free-flowing and cool,
The theme coherent or convoluted,
Saturated with passion or emotionally diluted,
An extensive ballad or three words,
Tongue-in-cheek or surreal, obscure

Anyone can write poetry,
Endless possibilities for flow and creativity,
Yes, poetry isn't scary

Author's Note

Obviously I have a bit of intimidation with the idea of writing a story.

Reviews

[bigfootprint]

Love this one, Velvet. It is highly readable. Your quick mind is a colorful rose of rhyme. It's true anyone can write poetry. Yet, would everyone want to read it? lol. I know sloppy syntax, usage, and grammar is a turnoff for me. Good ideas flow but don't always flow uphill. My fun tactic in writing a poem (never said I always get it right) is finding the perfect word that won't sound inane or forced, just like a puzzle tile. I have heard poetic giants sometimes take years to find the right gem. The biggest thrill comes when the word turns up as historic usage like yclept, or as a dictionary gem, a rare term like disambiguation or such. (A screen box just flagged "unknown word.") Once, I searched many pages of my Webster, extracting prize words. Grinning ear to ear, I wrote them in a rhymed poem which was well received here in a previous incarnation. (WC deletes closed accounts.) I could msg it to you -- if you like that sort of thing. Keep up the good work. -- bigfootprint (Doug)

[VelvetPotato]

Hi Doug. Thanks so much for the feedback. I have recently started going to that tactic to broaden my vocabulary for my poetry. I would love to read your piece if you would message it to me.

[bigfootprint]

Yep, took me two weeks to write my first formal poem, and it was free verse. So I know about fear. Msg'd you with the experiment. Hope you enjoy -- Doug

[Rose Kim]

Loved the exhilarating flow and build up of this poem Velvet! Felt like I was on the edge of my seat reading it! Gives me that confidence in trying new ideas in writing. Thank you and amazing work!

[VelvetPotato]

Thank you so much, Rose Kim. :) Have a beautiful night.

[barleygirl]

To be honest, this is so different than anything I've ever experienced about the writing life. I couldn't compare prose & poetry -- they are both difficult in different ways. I think this poem tells us more about YOU than about prose or poetry. What I'm catching is that you feel prose is all about following rules & structure, whereas there's more freedom in writing poetry. I think it's harder to write a poem that seems to be relaxed & free, but it's actually carefully crafted. This poem sorta gives the impression that's it's OK to just throw down any words to make a poem. But I admire the poets who really craft their words with great thought & consideration, more than the ones who slap down words & then make the reader try to figure out what they're trying to say! *wink! wink!* I guess if you can do a little venting, so can I! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[VelvetPotato]

Hi Margie. I'm a bit late here... lol, but yes, it definitely says more about me and my intimidation towards story telling. Other people would argue that story telling is more natural, and poetry is more obscure. So it is just different strokes for different folks, and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for stopping by and giving a constructive opinion. :)