It's the "simple" understanding that's an illusion, Jude. Importance or the lack of it is a state of mind and a mood in motion. Surely whatever is creative IS of some value, otherwise we exist in vain. It's our own measure of such things that is little significance. Another's opinion will always differ. The paper is not altered by what appears on it; it's entirely passive. It's a mere vehicle to convey what chooses to exist there which, if absorbed, will always have an effect on the watertable of the intellect and senses. And it's an exchange of energy at the very least. The poems I write in clouds on the sky have the biggest effect of all, as far as I'm concerned! And, of course, they don't alter anything either... !! It's sharing the journey together that matters, Kartero - heedless of the consequences. Each of works with what we have in order to feed and nurture the whole. None of us has it altogether - but together, we've got it! Each of us is like one begger telling another begger where to find bread. xx

Poetry is, to me, freedom to paint with words.It aids in expressing the colors of my character's spirit. Very well written Jude.

Peace and harmony,
Susan

At this stage, nothing alters.

Ron

You stir a fine inner debate here, Jude,...where it all goes and what it leads to and what the creative will itself is. Excellent!

John

whole countries and people's lives have changed over something simple written down, so I trust simple words alter much more then the paper, bark, rock it is written on. WRite on. LadyJ

the mentality of comprehension is often just fuel for the ego, but go deeper...observe response or reaction within...there is energy present...poetry is multiple dimensions going further than face value

I've written a poem for someone on their birthday, and it brought a smile to their face. I've written a poem for someone and it brought
conviction to their heart. On a special occasion, a tear to the eye.
a jump for joy.

I think you're selling yourself a little too short, Jude.

For we only can plant seeds - we can't water nor grow the plant.
Yet at harvest - we can taste the fruit.

Doug

So true, 'creative importance is just an illusion'
but a fine one... so I say write on

I think it mostly imparts health to the doer.
And I am mostly convinced that poets are only
really embraced (or hated) by other poets. It's this
reciprocal thing that happens between those of like feather
that either becomes beneficial, or detrimental to personal health.
I have found, too, that what means the most to me sometimes
means very little to readers.

There was one instance though,
where someone read a series of poems i'd done and it ended up
in a lot of book sales for me. There was a time in the past,
I believe, when being a poet really meant something.
I'm afraid though, that in a world of the analphabetic and the illiterate and
the "who gives a shits" that poetry has been relegated to a shelf at
the back of the bookstore.

All poets can say Kilroy-was-here, because their voices will not die, once uttered will travel forever into the Universe and beyond, and yes the poets did also alter something, a silence's sadness.

Georg

well written and expressed

Strange that "you" should say that Jude, you reach into my thoughts every time you say most anything with the gift and creative elegance that you have. Ambers artistic expression says it well.
Bless you! Jasmin Horst

That's a depressing thought, Buddy, but probably a true one.

Trying to decide if poetry is worth writing is never an option for a poet; it really doesn't matter if it changes the world. For those who write, it allows what is inside of us to become a more solid concept or form. Perhaps our words will matter to someone and perhaps not, but personally, once I release them to the page, I must allow them to have a life of their own, free of my own personal interpretations. Lots to think about here, Jude. A most interesting offering for those of us who may, from time to time, try to understand our need to write.
Take care,
Sherry

Hmnnn definately something to ponder but I prefer to think you are right in the fist and second stanza...for if poetry is only changing the paper we write on then I have wasted a heart and soul on nothing...
fee

A gift given to those with minds like ours...sometimes crazy sometimes serious...lol!!

Love Tinka

The wonderful thing about poetry is that one person's thoughts (poet's poem) often can be interpreted in a personal way (by the reader)...maybe at times the interpretation is wrong or off center from what the poet had intended, but in my opinion it's part of the beauty. I love the message and the layout of this...but then, I'm a fan of just about everything you write!

A poem that is written from the heart will always stir emotions of readers according to how the theme is perceived,and may alter much more than the paper it is written on. It can change lives and circumstance in a myriad of ways. Especially when written by master poets such as you,Jude!

it is a gift to be poet thanks

The viewer's eye is drawn to what other viewers would critique as "useless medicines"...some like large doses of poetic morphine with all the mind-tripping literary highs and diversity the syringe can deliver, and then some just flat ass overdose on ego inflicting himself with a highly obvious psychological injury he's most likely had for years from the failure of his poetic consequence...Up until now, this review has been written in third person...I defend my isolation as necessary to produce individual concept and imaginative ability. Illusion is most often sacrificed for impaired vision of those who have myopic tendencies, mind you that narrow-mindedness eventually suffers artistic paralysis...the free thinker prevails...

s

I think your poetry has probably altered a bit more than that, in my humble opinion. But isn't the illusion everything? Money is just paper--worthless but for the "illusion" it has value. Maybe poetry is a form of currency too. A spiritual marketplace of thoughts, commentary, dreams and ideas. Okay, how cheesy, though, is this review. I'll quit now. I get what you're saying.

Jude, Now I must add something to this poem,
possibly not,
possibly so,
Possibly poetry does
touch many a person's soul.

I believe that poetry speaks to all on a very personal level.It can move mountains, it can cut like a knife, and it can be just something that someone relates to in a very minor way. But...and there are always butts..lol it is in the heart of the reader.
I am always moved by your poetry, and you must never stop feeding us your fuel for hungry minds. You are a chosen person to spread an important message now get on it...
Much peace, love, and light, Shaman man,
Amber "V"

Oh the reality of it all, huh?

Be always safe,
Karen