Poetry is Grandma's candied orange slices in a glass dish.
Poetry, poetria, comes from Medieval Latin (1350-1400). Although, its origins go back as early as Ancient Greece when its derivative was a verb meaning "to create." It is the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thought. For having such a lofty definition, you'd think that the case would be closed as to what poetry...good poetry actually is...but in literary circles, not so much. Here is my humble 'take' on this much maligned literary form.
Poetry is potent pencil shavings.
As young children, lyrical songs, and poetry books were not only the first literary works we were exposed to, but we remembered them easily. Our young minds were malleable enough to absorb the poetic form because of the natural rhythm of lyrical prose. We found joy in the intrinsic musical quality, being soothed and stimulated all at the same time. The whimsical verses still dance at the edges of our early memories.
Poetry is bronze dregs at the bottom of an alabaster teacup.
In my Creative Writing classes, students are finishing their final Poetry Portfolios. For many it has been a challenge to create concrete images from abstract universal thoughts and ideas. However, I've been quite impressed with their growing confidence in their use of imaginative and figurative language.
Poetry is oceans pink with foam.
The metaphorical intensity of words used in poetry results in a far greater concentration of meaning than does common prose. Yes, poetry is taking the common and creating an uncommon way to 'look' or 'feel' something. That's the power and beauty of poetry.
Poetry is golden gossamer wrapped books on old shelves.
The best way to appreciate poetry, if one isn't going to write verse, is to read poetry. Over the course of history, great poetic works of art can still be enjoyed today, from the Hebrew books of Poetry found in the Old Testament, to Pre-Medieval epics like "The Epic of Gilgamesh" to Shakespeare's sonnets.
Poetry is butterflies melting into chocolate ice cubes.
Reading poetry can bring reflective and meditative opportunities to 'see' things in a different light. Poetry has the power to pull us into a never before state of contemplation-- allowing us to ruminate beyond the ordinary, to confirm our universal ties to the rest of humanity. Go ahead, try it.
---Poetry is...________________.
Poetry is a bamboo pole stuck
in mud banks
awaiting
the fish dance to
dip deep
the red and white
bobber...
A perfect rippling
of D Flat.