What is Poetry?

You know, I never really analyzed it officially, like this.

Although, I always did think it carried deeper meaning

than everyday experiences.

But, that isn’t true, because poetry

speaks about everything

within bounds and without.

I never thought I would be moved to write so

much of it as I do now.

I knew it was associated with literature.

But, what is it exactly?

It seems I should know, since I have written an awful lot of it lately.

I think dead poets would tell you if they could write and speak

as I do.

I do know that Poe and Bukowski inspired me to write poems.

Also, JD Salinger ‘s novel, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ inspired me to write my

novel ‘Meet Duff.’

I know that poetry is creative writing.

It is art because what comes through me doesn’t tell me

where it comes from.

Poetry does what it wants

often without my

permission.

Even, my own poems are not

beholden to me.

one thing comes from another and then all of a sudden, a poem is born.

It’s like taking steps to the top of the mountain.

One step at a time until you reach the summit.

then, you look down and see your completed work.

when you have written enough and it sounds right

you have arrived, then you know it’s done.

It’s as if I am a vessel for it

and it flows through my finger tips.

It is composed of words which hear, see and taste.

It’s full of meanings and emotions.

It is individual because it is written by one.

And, it affects each one of us in an individual way

because we interpret words differently.

So, reading and writing poetry is not necessarily a group thing.

It lies alone within our own interpretation of it.

But, does it help you understand yourself?

I am not sure what it does.

I don’t know if it is meant to do that,

nor should.

But, when it does what it’s supposed to do

it makes you feel a certain way and you know it.

I don’t know if it’s an ‘Ah Ha’ feeling.

I’m not sure of that.

But, I know that I am inclined to write it.

And, who I am may speak through it

in ways I don’t even understand.

Poetry can rhyme or not,

say something understandable or

not make any sense at all.

It can also be bad, good and mediocre poetry.