This is such a fascinating essay. I relate to writing through feeling it. So, an intellectual breakdown of poetry, I cannot really feel it, so therefore, my natural inclination is to resist what you have said. But I think I really need to look at it more.
Nancy, I love your comment. I don't want to overcomplicate poetry. I also write from my feelings. I wanted to explore why some poems last longer than others.
In my essay, I discuss leaving room for interpretation. When we don't explain everything, readers can add their own meaning. This keeps the door open. It avoids directing how people should interpret the work.
When readers can bring their own meanings, the writing can become more lasting. It might even be used beyond its original intention. Restraining the meaning allows for discovery. I've noticed this myself. When I reread my own poetry, I understand it differently over time.
Fascinating! This feels like the pinnacle of "show, don't tell" -- remove narration and invite the reader into the scene. I have a bad habit of over-writing, but I'll be thinking about this essay next time I'm editing a piece, for sure! 😁
"the pinnacle of "show, don't tell" -- remove narration and invite the reader into the scene." Exactly!! As a heavy writer myself, I discovered a wee bit of wisdom bubbling below the surface while writing this.
I would have loved this essay as a class during my English major undergrad years. It was Zen to read and process. I needed it today!
Things come to us when we're ready. Like Zen. :-) I hope you're easing your reemergence after surgery.
This is such a fascinating essay. I relate to writing through feeling it. So, an intellectual breakdown of poetry, I cannot really feel it, so therefore, my natural inclination is to resist what you have said. But I think I really need to look at it more.
Nancy, I love your comment. I don't want to overcomplicate poetry. I also write from my feelings. I wanted to explore why some poems last longer than others.
In my essay, I discuss leaving room for interpretation. When we don't explain everything, readers can add their own meaning. This keeps the door open. It avoids directing how people should interpret the work.
When readers can bring their own meanings, the writing can become more lasting. It might even be used beyond its original intention. Restraining the meaning allows for discovery. I've noticed this myself. When I reread my own poetry, I understand it differently over time.
Fascinating! This feels like the pinnacle of "show, don't tell" -- remove narration and invite the reader into the scene. I have a bad habit of over-writing, but I'll be thinking about this essay next time I'm editing a piece, for sure! 😁
"the pinnacle of "show, don't tell" -- remove narration and invite the reader into the scene." Exactly!! As a heavy writer myself, I discovered a wee bit of wisdom bubbling below the surface while writing this.