Poetry should be accessible to everyone
As a source of inspiration, enjoyment and reflection
As a viable threshold to the varieties of experience
Presently, there’s an irrational facade
Poetry is only for poets
And because of this preoccupation
Over what is relevant and essential
In the ingredients of poetic dialogue
The level of its acknowledgment remains inconclusive
Poetry should reach out to everyone
And not be subjugated to the status quo of a subculture network
A poet should refrain from distancing
His muse from his audience
By considering his work as a product
Or a commodity to be sold or auctioned
To the most lucrative buyer
Instead the poet should offer his poems
As a portico or gift to life’s diversity
For there’s too much murkiness and derision
Over what poetry is good or bad
Valid or inconsequential
And it seems many poets have befallen
Converting to sense-datum judges
Whose principal ethics
Have sentenced differing voices of human spirit
To a term of indifference and mediocrity
Yet in time, I have faith poetry will liberate
The minds and souls of an entire populace
By exploring life’s mystery and philosophy
By probing into commonalities of misfortune and achievement,
By touching the contours of love and hope
By examining self-analysis and collective discourse
All through the magic and power of words
Mind you, not by reciting mere ear candy
Or offering thought toys for trendy terrestrials
Echoing in the modern arena of academic articulation
Rehearsing nothing new and saying even less
But by liberating poetry's providence
To change the world
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Reviews of "a Poetic Commentary"
Reviewed by Butch Howard (Reader)
Reviewed on October 11, 2007
I agree with the thrust of this piece. I still remember when I was a child and considered poetry something for "sissys." I also remember the ephiphany I experienced when I read my first Shakespearian sonnet. Some people will never be interested in the intellectual and emotional riches which can be gained by reading good poetry. That is their loss. The rest of us understand the true value in reading and in writing poetry. This high art can change one's life. It has most certainly changed mine! Excellent write Jude! I share your hopes and optimism.
~Butch Howard
"All through the magic and power of words"... Indeed, all life and death are in the power of words - their expression, suggestion and projection. It's the validation of the liberation of words that is perhaps the stumbling block. Every sentient being has poetry inside them and should be encouraged to express it as and how is fitting for them in order primarily to communicate and evaluate. And every interpretation of what is "sent out" in this way is valid. Both the giving and receiving of words is the exchange of intelligence. Who is to say either what is meant or what is to be understood from such intimate exchange of the fabric of two souls, that of the reader and writer? It is a glorious mystery and both those who offer up words and those who receive them combine in the spiritual creativity of poetry. Therein lies the potential to change the world, I think. Trying to "pin poetry down" is as futile and senseless as trying to ringfence thin air or to dam the force of life. Nice commentary, Jude! And a prophetic voice, I hope. And wot?? No candy or toys??? If Poetry is just for the grown-ups, I shall have to wait a wee while before I qualify in that case :)) Kindergarten Kate xx
This is incredible! Have you been messing around in my head? Or is over to your house where my mind went when it went out by itself? Beautiful work!
Ann
(Did you pose for a romance novel cover?)
Nice work, Jude....it is the expressions of those who find themselves reaching out to the world, that gives one the opportunity to become a part of that flow of thought, along which comes the display of views, knowledge, wisdom, and a variety of emotions written of their own life, journey, and experience. Your work always brings forth reflection and truth of poetic enrichment, the fortunate time of this age has filled many minds through access of the internet, there are more viewing, reading, and participating through this source. Unfortunately there are also millions who cannot even share a moment of this, and so it is left to the poet, to share and continue the path .... of poetry ...
Whilst there is poetry for all, dear Jude, poetry is not for all – and this paradox is possible because not all are “open”, or “permeable”, to poetry, and, on the other hand, many of those who are do “dismiss” some of it as… “not being poetry at all”. Yet, poetry IS a VOICE in itself, and a powerful one at that – and it will not be silenced, as much as the “language” it “speaks in” may vary or change… as well as the “listeners”.
Love & Hugs,
Alexandra*
A scathing commentary. From one as prolific and unselfish as you are, these platitudes are more than mere prose. They are the backbone of a truth that we all subscribe to whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. We are not simply wordsmiths or lyricists, we are life's witnesses and we must tell its tale.
",,,But by liberating poetry's inner potential
To change the world"
Speaking for myself, poetry has liberated me in more ways than I can count. Interestingly, some of my family and friends are reading what I write, which is a bearing of my heart and soul. Some of which family [especially] has never taken the time to get to know the real me. I wonder if they even recognize this as me or just ...
This is an excellent commentary, thank you for sharing
Kathy
Well said. It is a shame that art in general seems to often be considered an entertainment for a select few...while its true worth is how it touches everyone...and should be measured in whether it actually touches anyone or not...not if some "expert" deems it worthy.
All good things to you and yours,
Jim
A wonderful write my friend...Poetry is an art, for many it is a relaxation, for others it is an escape, and still entertainment for many. While others it is their means of support...I consider poetry a gift. Well done my friend!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
This is great. Money, however, isn't the necessary evil (its possessors, perhaps?). Grandma used to say someone was making 'good money'! Daddy always responded, "I didn't know there was any other kind!" Money can generate more poetry. That's good, I think. Thanks for sharing this post. Cheers
i do so agree with you
i do hope that it's what mine, or I do anyway
a couple of my chap books were inducted into a college here in Detroit Wayne State University Special African American Collection I gave them freely it was really a honor for me to even be considered
On Commenting from an Outlaw Poet, I will say this: A true poet - in today's modern world must be a performer. Poetry has to leave (it must die) the papyrus between the front and back covers of the traditional book format (remove it from the bookshelves!) and emerge it into other artistic forms - in so that poetry can be reborn. A true poet must perform poetry in alternative artforms - the poet's mind scenery and props must be transformed into other literary sectors. The monetary analogy used here is not without some justification. Money in exchange for art is a valuable resource to the poet in so that she/he may fund a new generation of poets...what can one do with the money earned from the poet's poetry displayed in other literary artforms? Think. A poet's time rewarded with money because of talent - and only talent - has infinite possibilites for utilization, invested and allocated wisely into the arts does liberate poetry and without regulating content, through the distribution of time, will budget quality poetry with rewards to other poets to continue camraderie of the arts - a by-product of power...
Excellent work from a beautiful mind of a true poet! If anyone wants to know what true poetry is all about they just have to study your poems! Thanks Jude for another gem to treasure!
Sadly poetry will never be accessible to everyone. As an idealism, though, and a hope, this is honorable, but the general masses have no interest in what poets say anymore; they, generally, are interested only in prospering financially and acchieving power. Too many have become dumb and insular.
This last year I have visited various bookstores, large and small, and the poetry sections have shrunk dramatically. Upon asking the proprietors, they always have the same general response: "no one cares about poetry anymore!"
"Yet in time, I have faith poetry will liberate
The minds and souls of an entire populace"
I would imagine that novelists, artists, sculptors, musicians, all have the same desire. I do believe though that poetry is intrinsic in all the art forms. A thought-provoking and delightfully optimistic write.
This is wonderful Jude. Few poets realize the power their words have. If they did they'd give more thought to what they write and how often they write. I hope you're right when you pen, Yet in time, I have faith poetry will liberate The minds and souls of an entire populace" for change is most definitely needed. Take care my friend.
Marcia
Awesome yes...Jude I agree with your words of wisdom!
We shared our souls hoping that our
Poetic words will inspire and touch
The hearts and spirit
Beautifully written definition of
The beauty and wisdom Poetry!
Love Peace and hugssss....Morning Star
Good point, Jude. We share our souls in the hope that our words will inspire, touch or move another. There is no greater success for a poet than to have their words read and appreciated.
I completely agree Jude, poetry is more than most people realize or recongnize as such. Poetry is a thing of the soul, not a commercial commodity. A wise write.
Jude,
I read this poem, and had to think for a moment. You have said a lot, and speak a fine truth my friend. I personally write what comes from my heart, raw, natural, never thinking about the resale value..I really don't care about that. I only feel that I have a message a calling to get my voice out there. I understand what you are trying to say, and I respect your voice!
Have a beautiful day,
Peace, Love, and Light,
Amber "V"
An excellant commentary my friend, and one that says it all for all of us. We are here to offer thoughts and offer thoughts on others so we can all live and grow together.
Yes, I agree, "reciting mere ear candy" or "writing for a trendy terresrial"...
Then again, if you look among the 40.000 writers in AD, sure you will find a few mercenaries, every society has a few of those, but the rest, the ones that count, the ones that got our respect and friendship are the heavy majority, the ones that count and that make poetry a inspiring world to live in.
We can melt the Northpole more easily than we can melt the hard rock heart of the detractors that only hear their own stone beat.
Georg
Poetry is for all. :) Good, bad, indifferent: it is for all. It is about life as it is, as it is imagined, what it could be. A powerfully thought provoking, inspiring write to let words free. Excellent.
BEFORE DARKNESS FALLS Retails for 14.95 / but you can have it now for only 11.95 This is a book of poetry and prose that deals with real life issues that all of mankind comes to face. Some of the poems deal with the tenderness of love, while others s
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~Butch Howard
Ann
(Did you pose for a romance novel cover?)
nice work, Jude.....
Art Sun...
Love & Hugs,
Alexandra*
To change the world
Thank you for the lesson, Jude. You offer the poet (and the reader) substance for reflection. Love and peace to you,
Regis
Love Tinka
A scathing commentary. From one as prolific and unselfish as you are, these platitudes are more than mere prose. They are the backbone of a truth that we all subscribe to whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. We are not simply wordsmiths or lyricists, we are life's witnesses and we must tell its tale.
B
To change the world"
Speaking for myself, poetry has liberated me in more ways than I can count. Interestingly, some of my family and friends are reading what I write, which is a bearing of my heart and soul. Some of which family [especially] has never taken the time to get to know the real me. I wonder if they even recognize this as me or just ...
This is an excellent commentary, thank you for sharing
Kathy
All good things to you and yours,
Jim
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Ron
As a portico or gift to life’s diversity
Well Stated, and Bravo!
Be safe,
Karen
As a portico or gift to life’s diversity
These lines made me smile and I'm pretty sure that is worth more than any amount of money to you. :) Your works always touch me.
i do hope that it's what mine, or I do anyway
a couple of my chap books were inducted into a college here in Detroit Wayne State University Special African American Collection I gave them freely it was really a honor for me to even be considered
Love Always,
Sage
Newfie Hugs, Rose
Love,
ET
This last year I have visited various bookstores, large and small, and the poetry sections have shrunk dramatically. Upon asking the proprietors, they always have the same general response: "no one cares about poetry anymore!"
"Yet in time, I have faith poetry will liberate
The minds and souls of an entire populace"
I would imagine that novelists, artists, sculptors, musicians, all have the same desire. I do believe though that poetry is intrinsic in all the art forms. A thought-provoking and delightfully optimistic write.
Thanks,
Dan
~ Sara
Marcia
We shared our souls hoping that our
Poetic words will inspire and touch
The hearts and spirit
Beautifully written definition of
The beauty and wisdom Poetry!
Love Peace and hugssss....Morning Star
arem't we lucky to have AD, to share our thoughts )
Stay safe...
I read this poem, and had to think for a moment. You have said a lot, and speak a fine truth my friend. I personally write what comes from my heart, raw, natural, never thinking about the resale value..I really don't care about that. I only feel that I have a message a calling to get my voice out there. I understand what you are trying to say, and I respect your voice!
Have a beautiful day,
Peace, Love, and Light,
Amber "V"
Fee
Then again, if you look among the 40.000 writers in AD, sure you will find a few mercenaries, every society has a few of those, but the rest, the ones that count, the ones that got our respect and friendship are the heavy majority, the ones that count and that make poetry a inspiring world to live in.
We can melt the Northpole more easily than we can melt the hard rock heart of the detractors that only hear their own stone beat.
Georg
Poetry is for all. :) Good, bad, indifferent: it is for all. It is about life as it is, as it is imagined, what it could be. A powerfully thought provoking, inspiring write to let words free. Excellent.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.