What Is Poetry?

Because I often wonder, who are you, to tell me what poetry is?

My poetry, my writing

You call it nothing but

Fragmented stories

 

You are wrong

Small-minded conventionality

Can’t look into meaning

 

This poem doesn’t rhyme

Yet still I call it

A poem

 

Do you notice any

Rhythm in my words?

Precision in my pen’s step

Carefully ‘cross the page?

 

No you don’t

But would you like

Me to try?

 

I’ll rhyme a thousand words

If only you could see

What puts purpose in my hands

To pen these lines so dear to me.

 

I’ll write much of rhythm

Yes, of rhythm I will write.

I’ll tell you ‘bout my pain-filled days

Or of the cuckoo’s flight.

 

Now this is what you call

True, original poetry

Yet it means nothing

Much to me.

 

What is poetry then?

 

Perhaps it is nothing

But fragmented

Short stories.

 

But do these stories

Have meaning?

Are they art?

 

Artful words

Which serve a purpose

Orchestrated together

In such a way

That I call poetry.

 

One day I’ll let you know

That these words I read you

Are mine

 

Every night

These tales I disguise

As another’s

You ridicule, scorn as the day is long

 

If this is what you truly think,

Then think you must.

Ignorance may or not be bliss,

Either way indifferent I’ll stay

 

One day I’ll show you

This very so-called poem.

 

I’ll hope you don’t crush it

Into little dusty shards

As you’ve done to my heart

 Time-to-time. 

Reviews

[Seashell]

I think this is very true and you have captured the truth and turned it into what every poet wants to read...so keep it up.
I like your style.

Thanks for share..

Babsie Bee xx

[Emily B]

I won't rhyme. I can't get those words to carry any meaning. Thanks for sending this my way.

[LisetteCanWrite!]

Poetry comes in many formats.. here you show a desire possibly for freestyle without rhyme or syllable count.. there are many who do like to write freely. Many like the rhyme scheme a bit more.. it all comes down to choice. An artist creates a piece of work.. does it need to have a large audience to be considered art? I honestly don't think so! (some do and that's the normal goal). This one sounds as if you have been over criticized for being yourself in writing and with all art you can't please everyone. Nice outpouring.. very moving. Keep at it if writing is your true desire.. it's your life and goal.